The New York Giants won their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after a fantastic 57-yard score from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz, but the team might be without one of its best players next week in Antrel Rolle after he sprained his ankle badly in practice on Monday.
According to ESPN.com, Rolle was taken off the field on Monday and came off the field after suffering an ankle injury while covering Bear Pascoe. Head coach Tom Coughlin said that it wasn't serious and that there was no tear or break. Rolle might miss some time going forward, but he should be all healed up when the season begins. Giants rookie Justin Pugh returned to practice after suffering a concussion last week and he is expected to play next week in the preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Giants often deal with injuries in the preseason and this year so far they have gone through it without losing anyone relatively important. The team is entering a huge season after missing the playoffs last year and Coughlin is expecting Manning to lead the team back to the playoffs. Pugh is back in action after being taken in the first round by the Giants and he worked out at left tackle on the second team and he is expected to play a great deal against the Colts.
Pugh said all the concussion issues were gone and the rookie will be battling with David Diehl and James Brewer to start on the offensive line. Pugh said he was happy to be back and that it was the first time he dealt with symptoms related to the conussion.
"First time I ever experienced that kind of headache," Pugh said. "The headache was pretty bad -- a little nausea. It got better each day. You go through a variety of different steps. The medical staff did a great job helping me out and getting me back out there."