Phillips MIA

Potentially big news coming down the pike. S Kenny Phillips, nursing a cartilage problem in his left knee, was not at practice and could be headed for surgery.

According to Pro Football Talk, a league source said a final decision hasn't been made on any surgery. But if it happens, Phillips would probably go on injured reserve and be lost for the season. That would be a shame, since the second-year safety came off a Dallas game in which he had two interceptions.

The knee has been bothering Phillips for some time, and the Giants medical staff has tried to nurse him through the practice weeks. He rode the exercise bike yesterday, as he did last Wednesday before he returned to practice later in the week.

If Phillips is indeed lost, C.C. Brown would become the starter, and then the Giants would have to worry about finding a backup. Sha'reff Rashad, a practice squad rookie, is one possibility. Third-year safety Aaron Rouse was cut yesterday by the Packers. And a former Giants summer camp player, Steve Cargile, a fourth-year veteran of the Cowboys and Broncos, was cut by the Bucs Tuesday.

Phillips would be the latest blow to a secondary already thinned by injuries. Cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery have missed the first two games, though second-year player Terrell Thomas and undrafted rookie Bruce Johnson have done credible jobs filling in at the starting right corner and nickelback spots, respectively.

A Giants spokesman had no comment on Phillips other than to say, "We'll see."

In other injury news, DE Justin Tuck appeared ready to spend another day on the sidelines with an injured shoulder. If he misses today, don't count on him starting Sunday in Tampa Bay. DT Chris Canty was also out.

WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), WR Domenik Hixon (knee), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), Kevin Dockery (hamstring), and RB Danny Ware (elbow) were all on the side. WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) took a limited practice yesterday and appeared to be practicing today.
EP