EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have a banged-up backfield.
Starting running back Brandon Jacobs said his injured right leg feels "really good" and he should play Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, but backup Ahmad Bradshaw has a sprained left ankle that could sideline him.
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Bradshaw is wearing a protective boot on his left foot after previously wearing one on his right foot because of a cracked bone. He didn't practice for the second consecutive day Tuesday.
When asked if Bradshaw would fly with the team for its Thanksgiving game against the Broncos, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, "We'll see. We'll see how it is."
The latest injury to Bradshaw, who ranks second on the team with 549 rushing yards, came as a surprise because he finished the Giants' 34-31 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Coughlin said Bradshaw was injured during the game, and the team believed it was only a minor sprain.
"But evidently, it is more severe than that," Coughlin said, "so he's in a boot."
Danny Ware would see extended time if Bradshaw can't play.
Jacobs missed the fourth quarter and overtime Sunday after he was tackled by Atlanta's Thomas DeCoud and Stephen Nicholas on a 5-yard run late in the third quarter.
"I took a little hit near the leg, but it wasn't anything bad," Jacobs said. "It could've been worse."
Jacobs was helped off the field and didn't come back in the game. He participated in full practice Monday and wasn't on the Giants' injury report. Jacobs was on the field again Tuesday and walked without being visibly hindered.
"I feel good," he said. "I feel really good. I don't really have anything bothering me. It's all mental. You've got to get in and be ready to go."
Jacobs said he could have returned Sunday, but Bradshaw and Ware allowed him to spend the rest of the game on the sideline.
"Yes, I could've went back in the game," Jacobs said, "but we've got two solid backs in the game who were doing a really good job of pass protecting and running the ball well, so there was really no need."
Jacobs leads the Giants with 656 rushing yards and has run for three touchdowns. He finished with 39 yards and one score on 12 carries against the Falcons.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
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