EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- NFC defensive player of the week Osi Umenyiora did not practice with the New York Giants on Thursday because of a sore knee.
"It is just sore, that is all," Umenyiora said. "I had to get a little treatment, but I am all right, though."
Umenyiora hurt his left knee in the season opener against Dallas. He said the soreness is related to that injury.
Receiver Plaxico Burress, who has battled an ankle injury since August, also did not practice Thursday. The veteran has hardly practiced the past two weeks, but he has played in games. He caught the only touchdown for the offense against Philadelphia.
Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan (knee), guard Chris Snee (knee), halfback Derrick Ward (ankle) and safety Gibril Wilson (hip) also practiced on a limited basis.
Coach Tom Coughlin also said that backup linebacker Chase Blackburn seems to have recovered from a freakish accident after Sunday's night game.
Blackburn was cleaning his ear with a cotton swab when he was bumped by a reporter. The swab nearly ruptured his ear drum and the linebacker dropped to the floor.
Blackburn's ear bled and his temporarily lost hearing.
"I cant tell you how many times in my career that I have been aware of that taking place," Coughlin said. "Its just a dangerous thing. I don't see anything different from Chase on the practice field, though."
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
