EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back David Wilson will not play Thursday night against the Chicago Bears because of a neck injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Eagles, coach Tom Coughlin said after Tuesday's practice.
Coughlin called Wilson "week to week," indicating the injury could linger into Week 7 and possibly beyond. Wilson was officially listed as out for this week when the team released its injury report Tuesday afternoon.
In Wilson's place, veteran Brandon Jacobs will get the start at running back, according to offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.
But the Giants also re-signed running back Da'Rel Scott, who was cut just a week ago. It's possible they could look for a more desirable replacement next week, when they have 10 days between games and can get a new backup to speed. But Scott made the most sense as a fill-in on this short week because of his familiarity with the offense. The only other halfback on the roster is rookie Michael Cox.
"I can handle a full workload, there's no question," Jacobs said. "I might be hurting the next day, but I can definitely handle a full workload or whatever they ask of me."
Jacobs has rushed for 48 yards on 22 carries this season. The 11 carries he got Sunday, when Wilson had to miss the final three quarters of the game, were Jacobs' highest single-game total since Dec. 11, 2011.
"It'll be a challenge," Gilbride said. "It's a challenge if you had everybody, because they're such a talented defense. they're powerful and strong. It's going to be difficult, but we'll see what happens."
Scott said he was shocked last week when he was released to make room for offensive lineman Dallas Reynolds, who since has been released.
"It was definitely an eye-opener. It humbled me a lot. It's good to be back," Scott said. "You just never know. I felt good about it, but just to be back because of that, I don't want to see any guys get hurt. I just hope [Wilson] gets healthy because we need him."
The Giants rank last in the league this season in rush offense at 56.8 yards per game. Wilson is their leading rusher with 146 yards on 44 carries. Scott had 56 yards on 16 carries in the first four games of the season.