Eli Manning gets a jersey practice: no Preston Parker

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning Browns Xavier Cooper Limited Jersey looked around during passing drills on Tuesday and couldn't find Preston Parker, the receiver who had dropped a couple key passes in the team's first two games.

Coughlin released Parker and signed defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis for his banged up defensive line. It was a need, but also more.

Coughlin didn't say it but the message was clear after two losses to open the season: Produce or pay the price.
The release of Parker will leave the Giants short-handed heading into a game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night. The Redskins have the NFL's No. 2 ranked pass defense.

With Victor Cruz sidelined with a calf injury, Parker was playing the slot receiver with Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham Jr. on the outside.

All the Giants receivers can fit into any Lions Alex Carter Limited Jersey spot so offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has options. Dwayne Harris and rookie Geremy David will be the third receiver. The Redskins will find out on Thursday who plays the slot and it may change with each formation.

It probably won't be Cruz. While he insists he is closer to playing, he has not practiced in more than a month. He just started running on grass on Tuesday, so Game 4 seems more likely.
''If you know Coach Coughlin, it's going to take a lot,'' Cruz said of playing. ''So we'll see, I'm going to keep continuing to put the work in myself, and we'll see where this takes me.''

For the Manning and the receivers, seeing Parker let go was a surprise.

''Didn't see that coming,'' Manning said. ''But, hey, some guys have http://www.chargersshopnfl.com/Authentic-Philip-Rivers-Jersey to step up and some guys are going to have to make some plays.''

Beckham did it on Sunday in the loss to Atlanta, catching seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.

The pressure now seems to be on Randle, who has four catches for 28 yards this season. The fourth-year receiver was slowed by tendinitis in his knee in training camp and missed two weeks. However, the slow start has left him frustrated.
Cathal Kellyesquo;s NFL playoff picks: Take the Patriots and the Se...
Sketch: NFL Settlement - Newsday