EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Cornerback Prince Amukamara will be sidelined two to four weeks with a partially torn pectoral muscle, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said today.
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The five-year veteran suffered the injury in the team's 30-27 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. He remained in the game, and the severity of the injury was revealed in a subsequent examination.
Amukamara has been one of the Giants' most productive and consistent defensive players. He is second on the team with 32 tackles (26 solo), his seven passes defensed are three more than any teammate has, and he has an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery (the latter two on the same play in Buffalo).
"It's most unfortunate," Coughlin said of Amukamara's injury. "He's made a lot of plays this fall. But we'll continue on and we will get him back."
Jayron Hosley will replace Amukamara as the starting right cornerback when the 3-2 Giants visit the 2-3 Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Hosley replaced left corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (concussion) in the Giants' victory over Washington on Sept. 24.
Coughlin said he has "a lot more" confidence in Hosley than he had last year.
"He's done well," Coughlin said. "When he's been called upon, whether it's special teams or defense, he's done well.
"We played a game and won a game with Hosley starting at corner. He'll have to jump in there and do that, which I'm sure he's excited about. So we must continue on."
Amukamara was one of 11 Giants players on the team's pre-practice injury report.
Coughlin said wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring) will not work today. Asked whether Beckham will practice later in the week, Coughlin said, "We'll see. Today he can't go. He's day-to-day, but today he can't go."
Three linebackers will not practice: Jon Beason, who suffered a concussion vs. the 49ers, has not been cleared to return to the field; nor have Devon Kennard (hamstring), and Jonathan Casillas (calf).
But two defensive ends who did not play last week will practice today, Robert Ayers (hamstring) and George Selvie (calf). Wide receiver Rueben Randle (hamstring) and guard Justin Pugh (ankle) will also work.
Wide receiver Victor Cruz (calf), who has yet to play this season, has not progressed to the point where he can practice. Coughlin said he does not have a timetable for Cruz's return.
