Q: How worried are you about the injuries?
A: Not really because it is football. Obviously it is unfortunate that it had to happen, especially to those guys. Like I always say, guys have to step up and it gives guys opportunity. That's about all you have to say about it.
Q: Are you asking or wondering why?
A: It really doesn't do us any good to ask questions like why. It is not going to bring them back and it is not going to help us deal with the hole that those people being absent presents. We are not going to pity ourselves because those teams we are playing this year definitely aren't. You have to move forward. Does it hurt? Absolutely but every team has to go through this and every team is going to have injuries. Every team is going to have people go down but the teams that bounce back are the teams you see in the playoffs and competing for a championship every year.
Q: How do you feel about the Marvin Austin injury?
A: I feel it is a setback. It is one of those things you have to deal with. It is one of those things as a teammate and us as d-lineman; we have to bring him along. Tell him to take his time getting healthy but once you do, you get back on it. You get back on the horse and go back to working again.
Q: What did you think when you first saw it?
A: I thought it was a strain at first. He came down and was sitting on the bench and was moving his shoulder around. I saw him moving it and that's always a good sign you think but when they came with the diagnoses, at that point of me seeing him, I would have never thought that it would have been an injury that severe.
Q: Do you think you need the preseason?
A: For veteran guys, no, but for guys like Marvin Austin, yes. You have to pick your own poison I guess.
Q: How do you feel about it being just two games?
A:I wish I was one of those guys on that committee. For me, I don't need the four games to get ready but for rookies and undrafted free agents coming in, it gives them more chances to show their talents and make a football team. I understand the purpose behind it.
Q: What is Linval Joseph doing differently?
A:I don't think he is doing anything differently. He has just been a constant improvement. His conditioning has gotten better. You can tell he played with lower pad level this week but for the most part he was solid in the first game and he got a little bit better this game.
Q:What about Rocky?
A: Rocky is just an old vet. He knows how to play the game and there is something about Rocky. He is never going to do anything flashy but he is always around the play. He is just one of those consistent guys you really don't have to worry about. When he steps on the football field, you know what you are going to get from him.
Q: Are you looking forward to playing Plaxico?
A: I enjoy being on the field regardless of who it is. I really do think Plaxico, in his first outing, is making the best of his situation and I am happy for him. He deserves every attribute and all the good things coming his way right now.
Q: What is it going to be like seeing him in a different uniform?
A: It is pretty weird. Just watching the highlights is pretty weird. Going up against him, we are all competitors and I'm sure he is going to try to make a splash just like we are going to try to make a splash. It will be fun.
Q: Did you watch the game?
A: I didn't watch the game but I saw the highlights.
Q: Are you surprised at how good he looks?
A: Not at all.
