Strahan Practices For First Time Since Injury

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With the playoffs in doubt, Michael Strahan is back on the field for the Giants — at least in practice.

The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end practiced yesterday for the first time since spraining his right foot in a game against the Houston Texans on November 5.

"Michael did everything and I thought he did all right," coach Tom Coughlin said after the practice. "He did not look tentative or cautious. He moved up and down the line in 9–on–7 with no problem. Now we'll see how he feels tomorrow."

While he wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Strahan refused to talk to press and broadcast outlets about his prospects for playing on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints (9–5) in what is just about a must-win game for the Giants (7–7). Officially, Strahan is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, meaning that he has a 50–50 chance of playing.

New York is tied with Atlanta (7–7) for the second wild card playoff berth, but even two wins might not guarantee a postseason berth for the Giants.

"That means a lot to this team to have a Michael Strahan back in the huddle," linebacker Brandon Short said. "He's the physical and emotional leader on the defense since I've been here, and long before I've been here. So to have a Hall of Famer back out on the field can't hurt."

Strahan participated in individual drills last week before the Giants lost to Philadelphia 36–22, but the 14-year veteran who is tied for Lawrence Taylor for the all-time team lead in sacks did not practice with the team.

Playing without Strahan has not been good for the Giants. Since Coughlin took over as coach in 2004,New York is 2–12 in the games that he has missed, including 1–5 this season.

"I think it relates to two areas: one is his leadership and, obviously, two is his playing ability," Coughlin said.

"He's a guy who has his heart and his soul in what he's doing and he is an individual so greatly respected that he can say and do and players will respond to what he says. They have that much respect for him.

"When that's missing, that's an element of stability, if you will, of outstanding play, of leadership that is not on the field."