Justin Tuck Injury: Giants DE Likely to Play Against the Rams This Week

Both the St. Louis Rams and the New York Giants, this week's Monday night matchup, have more players injured than they do points on the season...or so it seems. New York finally started to get some good news on the injury front today. Having an extra day to heal, makes it more likely that a couple players will return to action for the Giants this week. 

DE Justin Tuck returned to practice in full pads today, according to Mike Garafalo at the Newark Star-Ledger. Tuck did not practice last Thursday ahead of the Giants' game against Washington, and sat out, even after reports indicated that he would play. Tuck was named to the Pro Bowl last year, coming off an 11.5 sack season. His best year with the Giants came in 2007 and 2008, when Steve Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator; Tuck registered 22 sacks during that span. 

The Giants have a pretty tough defensive front, even with the injuries, thanks to players like Jason Pierre-Paul (2 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss last week) and Chris Canty (1 sack, 1 TFL). 

WR Hakeem Nicks rode the bike at practice today, recovering from a knee injury. He may return to practice later this week, but some reports still have him as a game-time decision. Nicks led the Giants with 7 receptions in 11 targets for 122 yards. 

Osi Umenyiora and TE Travis Beckum remain out of action. First-round pick CB Prince Amukamara started doing light work last week, and could be back by the first of October. 

The Giants also signed veteran WR Brandon Stokley yesterday to bolster their presence in the slot. Stokley was mentioned as a potential replacement for Rams' slot man Danny Amendola, but with Amendola's injury not requiring surgery and Mark Clayton ticketed to return after week six, the Rams probably don't need to make a move at that position.