Defensive tackle Marvin Austin sounded as if he avoided the spate of injuries that have hit the Giants' defensive line, but coach Tom Coughlin isn't so sure.
With Chris Canty (knee) already on PUP, Shaun Rogers had his season ended by a blood clot in his lower leg and Martin Parker was waived-injured because of a herniated disc in his back that will require surgery. So when it was reported that Austin had gone to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York to have his back examined, many Giants fans feared the worst.
Although Austin told the media Thursday that his sore back is “ok” and that the tests were purely precautionary, Coughlin said Austin needs more tests and will definitely not play in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Jets.
Austin said he'll take his situation “day by day,” but he didn’t know if he’d be able to play in any of the remaining preseason games, which Coughlin concurred.
“I don’t think it is going to be something that lags on,” he said, adding, “That is why we want to get everything right now so it won’t be something that goes on for a period of time.”
When asked if he just had a back spasm, Austin said, “something like that.”
Coughlin had his own take.
“He said he felt pretty good today,” Coughlin said. “A lot of the early symptoms were no longer there, but they’re going to do some more, another set of tests on him. We’re hoping that within a reasonable amount of time he’ll come back and play.”
Coughlin said there is “an issue” with Austin’s back but refused to give specifics.
The twin-sized beds at Giants training camp have previously been blamed for causing back problems (not every player had a twin). However, Austin insists that the beds weren’t the issue, rather a “multitude of things” were to blame.
As for his performance in the first preseason game, Austin didn’t record a tackle, but he did get good penetration on a few plays.
“Yeah, it’s like Coach (Robert) Nunn said, play small ball, not worried about so much making plays and going out there and getting sacks,” Austin said, adding that he worked on “doing the proper things to show that I can play within the scheme of the defense.”
Austin understands his health is extremely important after the recent injuries to Rogers, Parker and Canty’s ongoing knee problems. And even though the Giants have signed defensive tackles Oren Wilson, Bobby Skinner and Carlton Powell, he knows this is really his opportunity to step up.
“Yeah I believe so. I believe that being in this organization is opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person,” Austin said. “Also the opportunity that I have on the field is definitely there.”
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