The New York Giants will need to ride with rookie fourth-round pick Andre Williams and journeyman Peyton Hillis at least a little longer.
Coach Tom Coughlin told reporters Wednesday that leading rusher Rashad Jennings, who sprained his MCL in a Week 5 win over the Atlanta Falcons, will definitely not play against the Cowboys on Sunday. The hope is that he still returns after the bye.
If the Giants find themselves trailing like they were in last week's loss to the Eagles, a similar split to Sunday night (Williams 32, Hillis 34 snaps) could be in order against the Cowboys. Hillis might see additional snaps if Eli Manning continues to see pressure.
The 27-0 loss to the Eagles was a crash landing for a running game that had been key for the Giants during their three-game winning streak.
"Where is it? Well, until last weekend it was pretty good, and we need to find that again. It starts with the offensive line, obviously," Coughlin said at his press conference Wednesday. "We'll work hard on that this week."
Coughlin also made a firm declaration on injured receiver Victor Cruz, who underwent successful surgery on a torn patellar tendon Tuesday. Despite the normally grim prognosis surrounding the injury, Coughlin sounded confident that Cruz would return to form next year.
"Absolutely (we'll have him next season)," Coughlin said. "If it has to do with overcoming, he'll overcome it."
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