The Day at Camp
* DT Manny Wright spoke to the media today and told reporters it will be a couple of days yet before he is ready to go and that the time is more to get caught up on the playbook rather than to get into shape. In fact, Wright told reporters, “This is the best (shape) I have been in a long time.  I feel really good, I feel really confident.  They are going to have me doing a little extra conditioning but I feel good about it.”

Given Wright’s rather shaky start to his NFL career – he also failed to catch on with Buffalo who waived him this year for allegedly being out of shape -- head coach Tom Coughlin sees the talent and is willing to work with it in meeting the player halfway. “We brought him in here and Jerry Reese had a very good discussion with him.  I spoke to him on the field after he worked out.  We are aware of all the circumstances, but we are willing to give him a chance.”

So does that mean treating the fragile Wright with kid gloves? Nope. “I am not going to do anything other than to keep the communication going all the time.  Make sure that he and his position coach and the defensive coordinator are constantly talking, and keep it constructive, make sure that he is aware that we need to correct and improve.  It is all constructive, but we just need to keep it open,” Coughlin said.

* General Manager Jerry Reese also held a press briefing and was asked about the latest concerning Michael Strahan. Reese told reporters there’s nothing new, but also refused to specify if a deadline was set for Strahan’s decision, saying, “The deadline will take care of itself.”

* The Giants brought in another new face today, DT Tuiaualuma (Tui) Alailefaleula, 6-3, 350 lbs. His name is pronounced TOO-ee-ah-oo-ah-loo-muh Ah-la-EE-lay-fa-lay-OO-la.

* The evening practice started about 30 minutes early due to the threat of storms in the area. The Giants prepared for their Sunday game against Baltimore, with the two's playing the role of scout team for the one's. Rookie tight end Kevin Boss returned to practice in full after being sidelined with a shoulder contusion suffered in the Carolina game.

* The Giants and UAlbany took part in the dedication of the newly named Wellington Mara - Bob Tisch Football Practice Field, named in honor of the two late Giants co-owners. The field is currently used buy the Giants during their summer training camp and will be used by the University football team during the academic year.

A plaque and bench with the new field name were unveiled at a recognition ceremony co-hosted by UAlbany Officer in Charge Susan Herbst and Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. The plaque reads: “In Memory of Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch, two true Giants of the National Football League. Remembered for their many accomplishments, their love of the game and the joy they shared with this region through the New York Giants summer training camps.”

"The University at Albany has been a wonderful home for the New York Giants for the past 12 years," said John K. Mara, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Giants and son of Wellington Mara.

"The Mara family is thankful to UAlbany for acknowledgment of my father's commitment to the University as an institution and as a summer home for the Giants."

"The Giants organization has been proud to take up its summer residence at the University at Albany since 1996," said Steve Tisch, Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Giants and son of Bob Tisch. "On behalf of the Tisch family, we are grateful for the recognition of my father and his dedication to UAlbany as both a home away from home for our team and a place of excellence in higher learning."

The University at Albany has been the home to the Giants' summer training camp since 1996. The Giants are committed to summer training at the University through the summer of 2008 with an option year for 2009.

* In a somewhat related Giants news, the New England Patriots have claimed rookie OL Chris Patrick, who the Giants waived earlier this week.

Who’s Hot
Eli Manning.Sve for a fumbled handoff with Brandon Jacobs and a lousy pass that was intercepted inside the red zone, Manning had an otherwise strong practice session, hitting Amani Toomer on a deep post route. Toomer was simply no match for Kevin Dockery, who was covering. Manning also connected with Jeremy Shockey on a long pass; found Michael Jennings open after rolling to his right; and caught up with Toomer again who this time beat E.J. Underwood along the right sideline.

Tommy Davis. The free agent defensive end hopeful continued to abuse fellow rookie Adam Koets Davis has been quietly having a nice camp with the limited snaps he's received.

Who's Not
Lawrence Tynes. Each practice the kickers get about four chances a piece to make field goals and Tynes, missed two from about 35 yards, though he did make a 40-yarder. Never mind that there was a wind blowing across the field; kickers need to adjust to the conditions. Josh Huston made all of his attempts and this place-kicking battle continues to be too close to call right now. 

Quote-worthy
"Tui. It's like there's 'two-ey' of him out there."

— Giants GM Jerry Reese on pronouncing the first name
of the team's latest acquisition, 6-3, 350 lbs. OG Tui Alailefaleular

Medical Watch
Plaxico Burress did not practice again today. Burress has been sidelined since August 2 when he sprained his right ankle (the surgery was done on the left ankle). Also missing practice were receivers Sinorice Moss (ankle) and Marco Thomas (groin) , corners Corey Webster (hip) and Gerrick McPhearson (groin), safeties Michael Stone (hip) and Craig Dahl (groin), linebackers Zak DeOssie (ankle) and Gerris Wilkinson (knee), and LS Ryan Kuehl (calf/Achilles').

Up Next

The Giants will have a single practice tomorrow at 2:40. Saturday will be a travel day, so there will be no practice. sunday of course is the nationally televised game at Baltimore and Monday will be a day off. the Giants will head into the final days of their 2007 training camp on Tuesday with a single practice at 2:40 p.m.

See Also

• Head Coach Tom Coughlin's Media Session Transcript
• General Manager Jerry Reese Transcript
• Defensive Tackle Manny Wright Transcript
• Defensive Backs Coach Peter Giunta Transcript
• Running Backs Coach Jerald Ingram Transcript
• Player Perspective: LB Mathias Kiwanuka

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