When it comes to his availability for the Giants' first two regular season games, Prince Amukamara is both a realist and a dreamer.
"I'm thinking Week 2 is more promising, but I want Week 1 to be promising as well," Amukamara said today. "They haven't told me yes, they haven't told me no."
Amukamara suffered what he called a "mild" high ankle sprain in a preseason game vs. Chicago last week. He did not play last night against New England and his availability for the regular season opener against Dallas in six days is iffy.
"I haven't been able to run, but walking is good, and getting on my toes is good," Amukamara said. "I couldn't even do that three days ago, so I'm glad that I'm progressing.
"The doctor was impressed with how quick I've been improving. He said it's still a day-by-day thing, and I need to start running and practicing first, and I haven't done that yet, so after I get the okay from the trainers we'll go from there."
If Amukamara is inactive, it will be his second missed opener in as many seasons as a Giant. Last year, he was the team's first-round draft choice, but missed the season's first nine games after breaking his foot early in training camp.
Asked if he'd like to be cleared for the Cowboys, Amukamara said, "For sure. I hope that they make the best decision for me and the team."
*Another cornerback, rookie Jayron Hosley, is more confident he will be in uniform for the Dallas game. Hosley suffered a turf toe injury 12 days ago against the Jets. He expects to do individual drills when the Giants resume practice on Saturday.
"I'm taking it day-by-day," Hosley said. "Right now, I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll be ready, and the trainers have been doing a great job getting me ready, getting me prepared to get back on the field as soon as possible. I'm feeling pretty confident about playing against Dallas."
*Adewale Ojomo led the Giants with 4.0 preseason sacks, but cutdown day means he'll be in a state of high anxiety tomorrow.
"I'm really nervous right now at this point," Ojomo said. "This is my livelihood. It's a lot banking on this, so I'm kind of nervous right now. I'll just be getting my mind mentally ready for whatever comes."
Ojomo is a rookie free agent from Miami who has become a real contender for a roster spot.
"It's a process," Ojomo said. "It doesn't just happen overnight. People don't see what goes into it. Listening, adjusting and Osi (Umenyiora) and those guys and (defensive line) coach Robert Nunn, so it's just a lot of work. I wasn't just going to come here, because my senior year in college, I had 1½ sacks. Coming in here, learning from those guys, made a big improvement."
*Last night Ramses Barden had a team-high four catches for 31 yards – plus a nine-yarder that was nullified by a penalty – on top of his three-catch, one-touchdown game vs. the Bears. Barden, who had only 15 receptions in his first three years, looks like he could be a big contributor this season.
"At this point, the decisions aren't up to me," Barden said. "I think I bring a lot to the team. I think people see that and I think they want me to continue to bring those attributes to the team during the course of the season.
"I'm not satisfied, of course. That's not really my personality. But I'm pleased with the progress. I'm pleased with where I am. I'm excited to continue. I don't have any plans on being satisfied. That's not really me. I'm not satisfied, but I'm pleased, if that makes sense."
