After missing most of the Giants’ practices over the past two weeks — but still playing both games in a sore hamstring — wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was back practicing on Wednesday.
“I think we’re back to the normal routine,” Beckham said. “I don’t really quite know yet, but I definitely do feel better.’’
It marked Beckham’s first practice in three weeks after he didn’t practice before facing NFC East rivals Philadelphia or Dallas. Now the former LSU star has made a recovery just in time to be fit for a homecoming at the New Orleans Saints.
“I’m definitely excited about it. Just being able to go back home where you grew up, not far from the house, the stadium is only 15 minutes, so it definitely will be exciting,’’ Beckham said.
“It’s definitely going to fun being able to go back home, a place that I always wanted to really play in back in high school, you want to get to the state championship, and had a chance to play in it one time but it didn’t pan out the way we wanted it to. I’m definitely excited to go back.’’
Returning to Louisiana is old hat for veteran Eli Manning, but he understands Beckham’s excitement.?He said the young receiver will have to stay focused.
“I’m sure, yeah, he’s excited to go back to your hometown,’’ said Manning. “But you’ve got to just keep the focus on the game and on your assignments and on your play and don’t get too excited or overworked or overexcited to go. And just play your game and don’t try to do more than you have to.’’
Receiver Victor Cruz, cornerback Prince Amukamara, left tackle Will Beatty and returning defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul are all expected to miss the Saints game. Cruz has his lingering calf issue.?Amukamara has a pectoral injury and said he expects to get an MRI on Monday.?Beatty has been on the PUP list with a torn pectoral all season.
“Beatty is going to get a little bit more, little bit more, little bit more, scout team work,’’ said Tom Coughlin. “He’s got to start, he hasn’t even had shoulder pads on yet.’’
Linebacker Jon Beason (ankle), linebacker J.T. Thomas (ankle) and right guard Geoff Schwartz (ankle) missed practice, though Schwartz said he expects to be back Thursday.
“I’ll be fine, just icing multiple times a day as usual,’’ Schwartz said.
Linebacker Uani ’Unga (neck) practiced after sitting out Sunday’s tilt vs. Dallas.