Andre Woodson did make his NFL debut, exhibition debut anyway, but just for two series at the end of the New York Giants 37-34 win over visiting Cleveland tonight.
It was thought that the ex-UK quarterback would play the third quarter for the Giants, with veteran David Carr taking over in the final period. But when backup Anthony Wright hurt his hand in the second quarter, Carr entered and stayed through the third quarter and the first series of the final quarter. That series started at New York's own nine-yard line, which is probably why Tom Coughlin decided to go with his veteran instead of the rookie Woodson.
Finally, with 6:58 left, Woodson entered the game. His first series was a quick three-and-out. He threw his one and only pass on the final play of the series. A slant pass never materialized, however, when the receiver Craphonso Thorpe ran into the Cleveland defender. The pass fell incomplete.
Woodson returned for New York's next possession, which started with just 2:19 left. New York ran five plays, all handoffs, to run out the clock.
That was it. Will be interesting to see the extent of Anthony Wright's injury. That could figure into whether Woodson earns a roster spot. There has been some speculation that New York will waive Woodson, and then try to re-sign him for the practice squad.
The Giants play the Jets on Saturday.
John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Central Kentucky and graduate of UK, he covered UK football for 13 seasons before being promoted to columnist in 2000. He lives in Lexington with his wife and two sons. You can e-mail him at jclay@herald-leader.com.
The Giants obviously don’t think Andre is ready or a serious candidate to make the team. Eight months ago, this seemed unfathomable. I hate to use the word tragic for this situation, but it is something close to that.