EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora practiced with the New York Giants on Wednesday for the first time since the regular season began.
Umenyiora, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in early August and missed the first three games of the season, practiced on a limited basis. The 29-year-old has been working out with trainers for the past few weeks.
“I don’t think he thinks there are any kind of limitations, I really don’t,” coach Tom Coughlin said.
Umenyiora reported to training camp a day late to protest the team’s failure to renegotiate his contract. He did not work out for roughly two weeks and then had the surgery after practicing for three games.
The 9-year veteran shared the team lead in sacks last season with 11 1/2 and tied an NFL record with 10 forced fumbles.
Receiver Mario Manningham, who missed this past weekend’s game at Philadelphia, also practiced on a limited basis.
“I did everything and I feel better,” Manningham said, adding that he expected to play in Arizona on Sunday.
Second-year pro Jason Pierre-Paul has started with Umenyiora out and he is currently tied for second in the NFL with 4 1/2 sacks.
Pierre-Paul doesn’t care who starts against the Cardinals.
“I knew when he came back he would get his starting position back. It is cool,” Pierre-Paul said. “The way I play, when they put me in, I am going to get a sack, regardless. It is not if you start, you can come off the bench and you can do the same thing. It is just the way you play. There are enough snaps.”
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Justin Tuck did not practice because of groin and neck injuries, although Coughlin said he is feeling better.
Receiver Brandon Stokley left practice early with a strained quad.
The Giants signed linebacker Antonio Coleman to their practice squad. He played eight games for the Buffalo Bills last season. To make room, the practice squad contract of quarterback Ryan Perrilloux was terminated.
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