New York Giants Begin Moving Onto University of Albany Campus For 2009 NFL Training Camp - UAlbany Sports 2009

The Giants begin moving into the University at Albany dormitories Sunday...

Gone, but not forgotten

The Giants cut ties with WR Plaxico Burress this past April, six months after he shot himself in the leg at a New York City nightclub. On Wednesday, Burress went before a grand jury considering indicting him on charges of gun possession, but that need not be of much concern to the Giants. The fact that the Manhattan district attorney reportedly is considering criminal charges against LB Antonio Pierce, who was with Burress that night and who also testified this past week, certainly could be.

Wide open

Speaking of Burress, his departure, coupled with that of Amani Toomer, leaves some question marks about who's the No. 1 receiver. This figures to be a big camp for Steve Smith. And expect a lot of attention paid to first-round draft choice Hakeem Nicks. Here's a question: Without the security blankets of Burress and Toomer, how much time will QB Eli Manning need to develop a rapport with this unit?

Getting defensive

The Giants beefed up their defense by spending $84 million on LB Michael Boley, safety C.C. Brown as well as DLs Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. But Boley (hip) is expected to miss at least the start of camp, as could DT Fred Robbins (knee). DE Osi Umenyiora, who missed all of the 2008 season with a knee injury, could be limited to one practice a day.

Running games

The Giants were so deep at running back a season ago that both starter Brandon Jacobs and No. 2 back Derrick Ward rushed for more than 1,000 yards. But with Ward gone, a heavier workload falls to Ahmad Bradshaw, who has rushed only 90 times in two seasons.


At a glance
What: New York Giants training camp
When: Monday, Aug. 3, to Tuesday, Aug. 25
Where: University at Albany

By PETE IORIZZO