Jerrel

Jernigan

Beckum (hamstring), Amukamara (foot), and Umenyiora (knee) are all nursing injuries. Jernigan has failed to earn a game-day roster spot, falling behind even the recently signed Brandon Stokley. Scott is the No. 4 tailback behind Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, and third-down back Danny “D.J.” Ware.

Widely viewed as a late first-round in the mock-draft circuit, Randle was the last player left in the Green Room. Although Randle showed consistent separation in the SEC, his relative slow forty times at the Combine may have sabotaged his draft stock. On the positive side, NFL Films guru Greg Cosell compares Randle to Hakeem Nicks in terms of “athletic movement and deceptive vertical deep speed.” A superior talent to Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan, Randle should have the upper hand on the No. 3 role, with Victor Cruz moving inside to the slot in three-wide sets.

Coughlin calls Hosley “feisty,” and a “physical tackler.” He also says the Giants have addressed Hosley’s failed drug test at the Combine. “We’ve addressed that with him and we’re prepared to address that professionally as well.” Hosley may seem limited snaps in nickel/dime roles as a rookie, but should contribute in the return game.

The injury-prone former third-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract after posting nine receptions for 94 yards last season. If Barden stays ahead of 2011 third-rounder Jerrel Jernigan, Victor Cruz could play the slot in three-wide sets.

GM Jerry Reese has already singled out Jernigan as an in-house candidate to replace Mario Manningham as the team’s No. 3 wide receiver. Playing a part-time role on offense would still allow the 2011 third-round pick to help out on returns. Jernigan will compete with Domenik Hixon for punt return duties. Da’Rel Scott and D.J. Ware will be in the mix on kick returns. Jernigan should be on all 2012 sleeper lists, especially in leagues that award points for return yardage.

"(We) drafted (Jerrel) Jernigan in the third round. So we expect him to make the jump,” Reese said. “Ramses Barden, who we drafted a couple years ago, had some injury issues, we expect him to contribute as well.” Jernigan was active just eight times as a rookie, and went without a catch as he played mostly on special teams. Barden has only 15 catches in 17 career games after being a third-round pick in 2009.

“I have gotten comfortable with it throughout the year and that is my position,” said Cruz. If Cruz is correct, that leaves Ramses Barden with an advantage over Jerrel Jernigan for the No. 3 role. It’s important for Cruz’s fantasy value as well because Eli Manning has heavily targeted his slot receiver going back to Steve Smith.

Jernigan earned the nickname “One Play J.J.” from coach Tom Coughlin this week because he saw action on just one kickoff return before going down with the injury. He has just one kickoff return for 19 yards on the season.

Coach Tom Coughlin insists Bradshaw has not encountered a setback and there are no plans for surgery right now. His status for Week 11 against the Eagles is up in the air. Brandon Jacobs will carry the load Sunday against a 49ers defense that has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. D.J. Ware will function as the No. 2 back.

Jernigan, nicknamed “One Play J.J.” by coach Tom Coughlin, missed a week with the injury. He’ll be an option on kickoff returns against the Eagles.