Tom Coughlin was obviously none too happy with Brandon Jacobs’ pique after getting a minimum of usage in last night’s preseason finale against the Patriots.
The two had a discussion about it today, one in which Coughlin said he emphasized the importance of using multiple backs there. But that still didn’t explain why a healthy Jacobs was kept on the bench for all but a handful of plays that resulted in no carries and one catch for six yards.
Ahmad Bradshaw had four carries for 26 yards before giving way to DJ Ware and Gartrell Johnson, who worked the rest of the game.
“I was surprised to see that today, and I’m really not going to comment on that,” Coughlin said in a conference call with reporters. “We have always been a multiple running back situation, and nothing has changed. It’s important to realize Brandon is as healthy as he’s ever been prior to the start of the season and that’s a good thing. So we’re looking forward to the opportunity to play our multiple running game, the ability to use our power back in combination with Ahmad and Danny Ware.
“At this point, I feel good with our ability to use multiple people at that spot.”
Still, it has become apparent over the course of the preseason that Jacobs is now the No. 2 back behind Bradshaw, a situation with which he is not comfortable. He told ESPN that “it’s hard to stay positive” in his situation, and that he realizes football is “a cutthroat, backstabbing business.”
Jacobs saw his carries go down even in practice, where Bradshaw took the vast majority of first-unit snaps in Albany. Jacobs rushed just 10 times in the preseason for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Jacobs claimed that no one ever told him what the plan was. But Coughlin said that, if that was ever true, it has been remedied now.
“We had a conversation today,” Coughlin said. “He’s well aware of where we are and what we’re going. He’s very confident with his relation with (RB coach) Jerald Ingram, and they’re on the same page. So I don’t believe there’s an issue there.
“The idea of having all these guys healthy is always our foremost thought. It’s always been one of the objectives. Brandon didn’t get the number of snaps that was intended for him last night, but the end result of having him ready for the season is still in place.”
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On the injury front, rookie MLB Phillip Dillard’s sore hamstring has him on a day-to-day status, and he could be out as long as a week. RB Andre Brown’s right turf toe is in a boot, and there is no timetable on a return. TE Travis Beckum could be back this week after an MRI on his troublesome neck showed no damage…C Shaun O’Hara (ankle) and CB Aaron Ross (foot) will spend the long weekend in treatment and rehab, and will be evaluated after that.