NEW YORK _ Eli Apple and Olivier Vernon delivered a one-two punch on Friday, though not in the way the Giants would have hoped.
The Giants will be without their starting cornerback on Sunday as they try to contain Drew Brees and the Saints' explosive offense at the Superdome _ a move that initially seemed to surprise Apple as much as anyone. As for Vernon (foot), the linebacker practiced both Wednesday and Thursday only to be held back Friday and ruled out for Sunday. Coach Pat Shurmur insisted that Vernon, who's yet to make his season debut, did not experience a setback. Vernon declined to comment via a Giants spokesman.
There is one bright side for the defense, though, and that's the possible return of Damon Harrison (knee), who wasn't on the injury report. Their No. 3 wide receiver, Cody Latimer also is out, opening the door for Russell Shepard, who'll be playing with Odell Beckham Jr. for the first time since the two were teammates at Louisiana State. Tight end Evan Engram (knee) and RB Jonathan Stewart (foot) are also out.
"I think the guys that we had last week did a good job against a good offense so, we'll just go out and do the same thing," Shurmur said, adding that Vernon has "made great progress this week and he's close, he's just not quite ready."
It's still no small challenge to be without those two cogs against an offense that's coming off its best performance of the year _ over 500 total yards against the Falcons _ and a quarterback in Brees with the best completion percentage in the league, 80.6 percent.
Apple, recovering from a groin injury, said he had a less vigorous practice Friday _ probably partially due to the fact that Giants had a fast practice with an eye toward the Saints _ but said he understands the decision.
"I feel fine," Apple said. "I'm definitely disappointed but I know it's the best thing right now for me and the team and just go about it and be the best teammate I can be on gameday...The decision was just made and I'm going with it. I'm going to take (the) necessary precautions.
"I gotta get faster, gotta get back to my normal speed and I'm not there yet."
