Giants’ Bradshaw skips practice but expected to play

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed the New York Giants’ Super Bowl practice Friday because of a sore right foot.

Coach Tom Coughlin listed Bradshaw as probable for Sunday’s game, and said he expects him to play.

Bradshaw has a broken bone in his right foot and it was sore after two days of practice at the University of Indianapolis’ practice bubble. He has dealt with the injury for months and usually only practices once a week for games.

“But he’s OK,” Coughlin said after the 70-minute afternoon practice. “He’ll be ready.’

In addition to Bradshaw, five others were listed probable with defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee) and rookie special-teamer/safety Tyler Sash (foot) limited in practice. Receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (hamstring) and LB Jacquian Williams (foot) practiced fully.

All but Bradshaw and Sash appeared to be running and working without limitations.

During Friday’s press conference, Coughlin was asked if his style has changed over the years.

“Probably, but I think it’s important as the process of learning. You learn, develop, and change every year.

“You have to bring a fresh approach each year to your team, especially when you’ve been doing it a few years in the same place.

“If I’ve changed, it’s been an attempt to motivate and put us in the best possible chance that we can be.”

A history buff, especially military history, Coughlin acknowledges he’s more patient now than earlier in his career. When a player did something wrong, the coach would be all over him immediately. Now, he picks his spots.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is his open-door policy.

Have a problem? He wants to know about it and talk about it.

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has worked with Coughlin 10 years, in Jacksonville and New York, and laughs when asked about the “new” Tom Coughlin..

“I think the thing that is his greatest strength is his consistency of his message,” Gilbride said. “He does some things a little differently, there is no question, but he has always been about what is best for the team.

“How do we go about our business preparing to win? When you’ve got the right kind of guys they respond to it. When you’ve got guys that are not the right kind of guys, they are resentful and they feel like their personal liberties are being taken away or something. But we’ve got a group of players, and they are responding very well.”