The Giants need a receiver to replace Jerrel Jernigan, who is gone for the season, but that receiver will not be Odell Beckham Jr.
At least not this week.
Asked Wednesday morning if the first-round draft pick might actually, you know, practice later in the day, Tom Coughlin seemed almost incredulous that it was even a consideration.
“Not to my knowledge,’’ Coughlin said. “Not with the team. He’ll be right there learning, etc., etc. working on the side. He won’t take any snaps.’’
So Beckham is not in the plans for Sunday’s game against the Texans at MetLife Stadium as he continues to recover from a strained hamstring that prevented him from finishing a single practice in training camp. Beckham missed all five preseason games. He experienced one setback when he tried to return from the injury too soon, and the Giants are now taking it slowly with him, hoping he can get past this injury so they can get his speed and play-making ability onto the field in the near future.
Jernigan is on injured reserve after suffering a mid-foot sprain in the 25-14 loss to the Cardinals, and his season is finished after two games and six receptions for 40 yards. Coughlin said Preston Parker, whose last NFL experience was two years ago with the Buccaneers, will replace Jernigan as the No. 3 receiver to go along with starters Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. Parker caught one pass for 29 yards against the Cardinals in his Giants debut. He also serves as the punt returner and had a return of 18 yards last Sunday.
“He’s been in the league,’’ Coughlin said. “He’s very quick — you saw him the other day. I think if we’d have had a decent block in front of him that might have been nothing more than a punt return touchdown. He’s played before, he’s got a good attitude about it, he is a tough guy and hopefully he’ll make a strong contribution.’’
Coughlin said there also “may be some opportunities’’ for rookie receiver Corey Washington, who has played sparingly in the first two games.
“He gets better every day,’’ Coughlin said. “He’s got to continue to improve as a special teamer as well. That’s where he can really help us right now. In the green zone he’s an excellent target.’’
Beckham sprinted on a side field during the early stages of Wednesday’s practice. His timetable won’t be helped by the fact that the Giants’ next game after facing the Texans is a Thursday night meeting with the Redskins in Washington. That means there will be only two practice days between games and less time for Beckham to show he’s ready for action.
Middle linebacker Jon Beason did not practice as his re-injured right foot continues to be a source of concern. He is unlikely to play this weekend, but Coughlin said, “I wouldn’t put it past this guy on anything.’’