ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 24, 2005) -- New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan missed his second practice with strained rib cartilage, putting his status in doubt for the preseason game against the New York Jets.
Strahan experienced tightness in his rib cage after doing drills Aug. 23 and sat out the evening practice. He said he still hoped to play against the Jets.
"I plan to. But it's preseason," he said. "If I'm not right, I won't play. If I'm right, I'll play."
The six-time Pro Bowler missed the final eight games of the 2004 season with a torn pectoral muscle and has seen limited action in the Giants' first two preseason games. He was scheduled to get more playing time against the Jets.
"He's OK. He's just not ready to do all the twisting and turning," coach Tom Coughlin said. "We'll see how he is tomorrow. We've started cautiously with Mike because of the injury. This game his playing time would have been extended, but that's probably not going to be the case."
Strahan could become the third Giants starter to miss the game. Quarterback Eli Manning suffered an elbow sprain in the 27-21 victory over Carolina, and cornerback Will Peterson sustained a sprained MCL in the same game. Manning is scheduled to test his arm next week and Peterson is expected to be out a few weeks.
