At the end of a lost season, general manager Jerry Reese made it clear that David Wilson is no longer viewed as the New York Giants' lead back.
By the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Reese and coach Tom Coughlin both suggested anything they get out of Wilson coming off neck surgery will be gravy.
In a Thursday interview with the team's official website, Coughlin said he's "counting on" Wilson but sounded less than convinced of the running back's medical clearance.
"All in due time with David," Coughlin said. "Just pray, you're praying that he has a return to excellent health and that the doctors are totally convinced that he is recovered and ready to go. When that time comes, you'll have another contributor who, if he gets a step, he's gone."
Coughlin also reiterated that he won't put Wilson in full-contact situations until "it's an absolute" that the 2012 first-round draft pick is back to 100 percent.
Although one report has connected the Giants to Chris Johnson, beat writers remain unconvinced that the interest is legitimate. The Giants will go forward with Rashad Jennings as starter, crossing their fingers that Wilson's surgically repaired neck will allow him excel as a kickoff returner and explosive change-of-pace back.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" welcomes NFL Media's Jeff Darlington to the studio, reacts to the DeSean Jackson signing and discusses big-name veterans still looking for new teams.
