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New York Giants Are Relatively Healthy Heading Into Wild Card Weekend

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants are very healthy heading into their Wild Card matchup against the Green Bay Packers as Jason Pierre-Paul is the only player ruled out.

The New York Giants will be heading into Wild Card weekend at nearly full strength. At this time of the season teams are rarely without injury, but the Giants look to be heading into the playoffs relatively healthy.

The Giants are going to be without Jason Pierre-Paul against the Green Bay Packers was expected. Pierre-Paul was injured against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had to undergo surgery for a sports hernia and has been sidelined since.

Pierre-Paul was given a 4-6 week timetable for recovery, but there was a report that he would possibly be ready to play this weekend against the Packers. The chances of Pierre-Paul returning this week were always slim, as he has not yet practiced since the injury. But, the deeper the Giants go into the postseason, the more likely it will be that Pierre-Paul returns.

The Giants may also be without another member of their defensive line against the Packers. Second-year defensive end Owa Odighizuwa is dealing with a hamstring injury and is considered doubtful for the game. Other than those two players, the Giants roster is ready to go for the postseason.

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That includes everyone that was injured heading into the final week of the season. The Giants had three players that have seen their roles grow as the season has went on sit out against the Washington Redskins in Week 17.

Starting right tackle Bobby Hart, defensive back Coty Sensabaugh, and rookie right end Jerell Adams all sat out against the Redskins. The decision to hold them out seemed to be precautionary, as Hart was held out based on a coach’s decision.

Also ready to go for the Giants is stud cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins suffered a potentially scary injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 15. He was kneed in the back by Trevin Wade making a diving attempt to defend Lions’ tight end, Eric Ebron. The Giants feared Jenkins suffered internal injuries, but things came back clean.

He sat out against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 but was able to play the first half against the Redskins. Jenkins said that he was sore following that game, but his status for the postseason was never in doubt. He has practiced all week and will be in the lineup when the Giants take the field on Sunday.

The Packers are also relatively healthy going into the game. Only cornerback Quinten Rollins and running back James Starks have been ruled out for the game. They do have a number of players that are questionable, though, including offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, wide receiver Randall Cobb, linebacker Jayrone Elliott, linebacker Nick Perry, cornerback Damarious Randall, linebacker Joe Thomas, and offensive lineman JC Tretter are all listed on the injury report.

Next: Where Are The Giants In The NFL Playoff Power Rankings?

With this being a win or go home game, you can be sure that all able hands will be on deck. Both teams should have almost all of those hands on deck, as very few players have been ruled out for the Wild Card game Sunday afternoon.

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