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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants will be without their first two starters – linebacker Olivier Vernon and cornerback Eli Apple – when they host the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Evan Engram (knee) was also officially eliminated on Friday after suffering an injury against the Houston Texans last Sunday. Running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) and receiver Cody Latimer (knee) will not play either.
Vernon (high sprained ankle) and Apple (groin) both returned to practice this week. They just ran out of time for Sunday. This will be the fourth consecutive game missed for Vernon, which was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but did not participate on Friday.
"No setbacks. [Vernon has] has made great progress this week and is close, "said coach Pat Shurmur. Just was not quite ready. "
Apple, which will miss its second consecutive contest, practiced all week in a limited capacity before being sidelined. However, he said he was not at full speed, which prevented him from being ready for the Saints, who have the third NFL pass and averaged 345.3 yards per game.
"We have to run faster," said Apple, adding that the Giants were taking the necessary precautions. "I have to go back to my normal speed and I'm not there yet."
His absence again emphasizes B.W. Webb, who will start at Apple for the second week in a row. Donte Deayon enters the cornerback role.
The cornerback depth of the Giants is not their only concern. They compete in the contest with only four sacks – only the Oakland Raiders have less than three.
Vernon is considered the best passer of the giants. Connor Barwin and rookie Lorenzo Carter completed their absence and each have three hits. Carter, however, has the only bag.
This could be a problem against the Saints, who averaged 34.7 points per game. Quarterback Drew Brees made eight touchdown passes without interception.
The defense of the Giants has resisted perfectly. They awarded 20.7 points per game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans in the first three weeks.
"Well, I think the guys we had last week did a good job against a good [Texans] offend, "said Shurmur. Just go out and do the same thing. "
Apple and Vernon have both made progress this week. There is a realistic chance that both players can come back against the Carolina Panthers next week.
Cornerback Antonio Hamilton (groin) and kicker Stacy Coley (hamstring) are doubtful for Sunday.
Defensive tackle Damon Harrison (knee) was not on the official injury report after missing two days of practice. Shurmur considered that Harrison, Latimer and Stewart's injuries were "normal wear after the match".
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