Just as someone in the running back room might need to step in this week, the same is going on in the receivers' meeting room.
While Ahmad Bradshaw's status is in the air, Hakeem Nicks missed practice again with his hamstring injury. Two key players in two key positions means a bump up the depth chart for someone.
"I think the guys that have been playing – the Marios (Manningham), the Victors (Cruz), those guys – have to play well, but also whoever steps in in his place has got to step to the challenge," offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said of Nicks' situation. "We've all been hanging on for Ramses (Barden) to come back. He and JJ, now are their chances, they're going to be here."
That last part – JJ – may be someone to look out for.
Jerrel Jernigan, the Giants' third-round pick, is ready for all hands on deck.
"We go into every week expecting, being ready for if somebody goes down or somebody can't go," Jernigan said. "I've been practicing to be in there for a couple plays and stuff -- just be ready when my name is called."
Almost midway through the season, Jernigan has been active for the last three games but has yet to be targeted for a pass. After not dressing for the first four games, the last month has been somewhat of a promotion.
However, Jernigan said the progress, while still constant, has been at a slower pace because of the lockout.
"I'm doing fairly well," Jernigan said. "It kind of hurt not to have OTA's, rookie minicamp, coming in and learning the offense. But I'm getting better as the weeks go by. I'm learning the offense and wide receiver positions. So I'm doing pretty well."
Jernigan is taking what the coaches give him.
"They just keep telling me I'm doing well and I just need to keep learning and keep working hard in practice," Jernigan said. "When I learn everything to do, the rest will take care of itself. They said I have the athletic ability to do it, so I'm just working hard in the film room and studying."
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