The Day at Camp
Oh that Willie Joe…

William Joseph, not exactly known for being a prankster, at least in public, had the fans going good today when he came out to practice wearing jersey number 92, which of course is Michael Strahan’s number.  Certainly, though, until people realized that Joseph was playing a gag on them, the crowd was a buzz with the knowledge that Strahan’s training camp hold out was over and all would be right with the world again.

* The Giants signed cornerback Darren Barnett, who was with the team for a month earlier this year. Barnett was signed by the Giants on May 14 after attending the rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis. He was waived on June 19.

To make room on the roster for Barnett, the Giants waived defensive tackle Titus Adams, who had been with the team since he was signed off the Jets’ practice squad on Dec. 6, 2006. He was inactive for the final five games of the regular season and the NFC Wild Card Game.

Who’s Hot
Fred Robbins. Robbins seems to be over his calf injury and has been looking especially active on his snaps. He continues to wreak havoc for the offensive linemen and has managed to get pressure on the quarterback on numerous occasions, forcing premature or off-target throws. Robbins seems to really be taking to this new defensive scheme well and it’s been showing, at least on the practice field.   

Amani Toomer. He catches just about everything thrown his way, and even if he drops a ball now and then, which he did today, so what? Just to watch Toomer have his way with faking out even the most seasoned of defenders is like watching an artist at work.

Who's Not
Michael Matthews. The back-up tight end, who is competing for a spot as the team’s third tight end, had a sloppy day as far as catching went. He dropped a ball right in his hands and ran a wrong route which earned him an earful from the coaches.

Brandon London. The receiver hopeful had two drops which should have been receptions. Granted, both were thrown low and required him to dive, but those are the kinds of plays you need to make in the NFL when you’re a free agent hopeful.  

Quote-worthy

“I can always tell when it’s starting to get close to the end of camp because the reporters are starting to talk to me now.”

— Punter Jeff Feagles

Medical Watch
The injury list at receiver is growing. In addition to Plaxico Burress (ankle), the Giants were without Marco Thomas (groin) and Sinorice Moss (ankle). Coughlin said that he wasn’t sure if Moss would make the trip to Baltimore for the Giants’ second preseason game.

Others who were sidelined included linebackers Gerris Wilkinson (knee) and Zak DeOssie (ankle).  DeOssie did long snap today, but was unable to run, and his status for the Baltimore game is up in the air as well.

Also add safeties Michael Stone (hip) and Craig Dahl (groin), OL Todd Londot (ankle) and LS Ryan Kuehl (calf/Achilles) to the inactive list for today’s practice.  

Up Next

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
• Player Perspective: TE Kevin Boss

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