Giants’ Pierce Will Miss Exhibition Game Against Jets

When the Giants look to make a preseason statement against the Jets on Saturday night, they will be without one of their biggest defensive assets.

Some have suggested that Antonio Pierce will miss the game because, as an eight-year veteran of the league, he feels he doesn't need preseason practice. He wishes that was the case.

"Everybody needs preseason," Pierce told NJ.com.

The 30-year-old linebacker, who hasn't practiced fully since the beginning of the week, was held out of New York's exhibition matchup against the Bears because of the same foot injury that will KO him for Saturday's battle.

Pierce told reporters early in the week that he felt "great." Then why isn't he playing?

"I'm not in charge of everything," he told the Web site.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin also downplayed the injury, telling reporters his star linebacker "still has a little soreness, so they're going to try to make sure they clear that up."

According to reports, Pierce participated in drills on Thursday but did not appear to be moving well. Still, he said he's not worried about the injury affecting his season.

"Just because I said I feel great doesn't mean I'm going to practice," he said. "I did feel great and I feel great today."

And the Jets' offense is bound to feel great, too, with him on the sidelines.

Pierce played in 15 games in 2008 and finished with 72 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks.