Star Ledger:Giants notebook: May be time for bust to Hatch

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Giants notebook: May be time for bust to Hatch

Thursday, December 04, 2003

BY KIMBERLY JONES

Star-Ledger Staff

For Giants second-year tackle Jeff Hatch, who might see his first action against the Redskins on Sunday, coach Jim Fassel offered this counsel yesterday: "It's a nasty game up front. If you get in the water with the sharks, you've got to be ready to swim."

After watching the Giants (4-8) give up a season-high six sacks Sunday against the Bills, Fassel is looking for some new combinations along the line this week. The first preference would be to have LT Luke Petitgout (back) return after missing his second game this season.

But Petitgout did not practice and is listed as questionable.

"He said he's better, which gives me hope that he might (play)," Fassel said.

Another possibility involves inserting Hatch at one of the tackle spots. After missing all of last season with a back injury, Hatch "was on the borderline of getting cut in camp," Fassel said.

Yesterday, Fassel issued challenges to two of his young linemen -- telling Hatch to show him what he can do at practice and RG David Diehl to cut down on his penalties. Petitgout and Diehl, a rookie who is the only offensive lineman to start every game this season at the same position, have combined for 28 of the Giants' 101 penalties.

Fassel figures the Redskins (4-8) will be coming after QB Kerry Collins.

"It's just like if you get a punt blocked, they're going to come after all your punts," Fassel said. "If you're vulnerable in the pass rush, you're going to see a heavy dose."

Redskins DE Bruce Smith

Is tied with Reggie White for the NFL's all-time sack record with 198.

"I'd like to see him get the record," Fassel said. "As far as get it against us? No. Let's have him do it another day."

TE Jeremy Shockey

Remained in the training room to get treatment on his left knee during practice. Fassel said Shockey, who has missed the past three games, will play if he can. If Shockey is not active, TE Tony McGee, an 11-year veteran who signed Tuesday, will be on the active roster but would be used only in "limited packages," Fassel said.

CB Ralph Brown (shoulder) returned to practice and appeared "good to go," Fassel said. Brown said he is ready to return, which is good timing given that starters Will Allen (foot) and Will Peterson (back) are on injured reserve.

Fassel said

He doesn't want his players feeling sorry for themselves.

"I also jumped them today because I thought they were a little bit casual with a couple things," he said.

Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey

Reinjured his right foot at the end of practice when he slipped on a dirt patch during a throwing drill. The second-year starter left practice early for X-rays, and his status will be evaluated later in the week. It was the first practice in nearly two weeks for Ramsey, who has been hampered by the flare-up of an old fracture.

He wore a walking cast last week, but it was removed on Monday. Before the practice began, Ramsey was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants. If he can't play, Tim Hasselbeck will make his second straight start.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.