Blood clot, back injury jolt Giants’ on D-line
Depth now an issue
The interior of the New York Giants’ defensive line is facing questions after veteran Shaun Rogers was lost for the season with a blood clot in his left calf and two other defensive tackles were diagnosed with back problems, one that will require seasonending surgery.
Coach Tom Coughlin announced Tuesday that Rogers’ treatment for the blood clot would sideline him this season. His calf swelled after the Giants’ preseason opener against Jacksonville, but fellow tackle Linval Joseph said Rogers also was leg whipped in practice last week. Coughlin added free agent Marvin Parker needs surgery to repair a herniated disc that he injured in the game Friday.
Marvin Austin, the team’s No. 2 draft pick in 2011, also was being seen by doctors in New York after his back acted up Monday night, a problem some players blamed on bad mattresses at training camp in Albany, N.Y.
“I thought we were as deep (at defensive tackle) as we were at any position,” Coughlin said, “and it’s not that way right now.”
The Giants would get a boost if veteran starter Chris Canty returns. He had offseason knee surgery, though, and his rehabilitation has taken longer than expected.
Coughlin was more concerned Tuesday about Rogers, who was signed as a free agent. He lost 50 pounds before reporting to camp and he was expected to add size to the middle of the line for the Giants.
“It’s just a shame. I hate to see (it),” Coughlin said. “Obviously, it’s your health first, and there isn’t any question about that. ”
DEVELOPMENTS
Peterson practices for Vikings: Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has taken another important step forward in his recovery from reconstructive surgery on his left knee: taking part in his first full-pads practice.
Peterson was f inally cleared for full activity Tuesday. He carried the ball only a handful of times in drills with the first team offense, and he wasn’t touched by the defense, under coaches’ orders.
Peterson said the precaution was unnecessary, and had a big smile on his face, except when he unsuccessfully lobbied coaches to allow him to stay in and take more snaps.
Surgery for Urlacher: Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and still hopes to be ready for the season opener. The Bears said that Urlacher had an arthroscopic debridement procedure on Tuesday morning to help relieve swelling in the knee and was back at training camp by 10 a.m. He missed offseason training program after spraining both knee ligaments in last year’s finale with Minnesota.
Lozada files for divorce: An attorney for VH-1 reality TV star Evelyn Lozada has confirmed she has filed for divorce from Chad Johnson after 41 days of marriage, capped by a headbutting incident that led to his arrest Sunday morning, and release from the Miami Dolphins later that day.
“Given the recent events that have taken place, Evelyn has decided to file for divorce and move on with her life,’’ Lozada’s lawyer, Michael B. Gilden, told the TV show “The Insider’’ in a statement.
Johnson released his own statement — the first since his arrest — on his website.
“I am going to let the legal process run its course. I wish Evelyn nothing but the best, I have no negative words to say about her, the only thing I can say is I love her very much,’’ said Johnson. ‘’I will continue to be positive and stay training hard for another opportunity in the NFL.”
Briefly: Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has whiplash-type symptoms, according to coach Andy Reid, but no concussion after a midair collision on Monday. He is listed as day-to-day. ... The Washington Redskins have lost defensive tackle Chris Neild for the season for a torn ACL suffered during workouts Monday. ... Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper broke his arm in practice Tuesday and could miss as much as six weeks..