NFC East News Roundup: Giants sign Brandon Jacobs, Romo dodges injury bullet, NFL players discuss Eagles offense

New York Giants

• The Giants were dealt a big blow on Thursday when they moved starting middle linebacker Dan Connor to injured reserve. Connor suffered two neck burners in as many weeks, the second of which occurring during Sunday night's 36-31 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Mark Herzlich will now take Connor's spot in the lineup going forward.

• Giants running back Da'Rel Scott was unexpectedly thrust into an expanded role Sunday night after David Wilson was benched for fumbling twice. However, the uncertainty at the running back position grew during Wednesday's practice when Scott exited with a knee injury. Head Coach Tom Coughlin has since said Scott's knee is fine, and he should be able to once again be able to contribute out of the backfield if need be.

• The Giants also added veteran Brandon Jacobs to the backfield mix this week. Jacobs earned the spot on the team over veterans Willis McGahee and Beanie Wells, who were also brought in for a workout. For a team in need of a power running back with plus ball security, Jacobs is a sensible, no-risk move that could pay-off in the short term while Andre Brown gets healthy.

Philadelphia Eagles (by: Sean Patterson)

• The injury report for the Eagles was light this week, but included CB Bradley Fletcher, who did not practice due to a concussion. Offensive tackle Dennis Kelly was limited with a back injury, and cornerback Brandon Hughes fully participated in practice after suffering a hand injury. Hughes is a veteran player that was recently re-signed by the Eagles because of depth issues at the cornerback position.

• The Eagles' game plan will likely involve the continued use of Michael Vick as a runner. Vick stated recently that he "is not just a quarterback," but he is also a "football player."

• Several NFL players weighed-in on whether the Eagles' fast-paced offense will be sustainable over the course of the season. Jason Avant is unsure the Eagles can keep up this pace the entire game, but he believes that as long as the players do what the coaches say, the team will be fine. Former Oregon Tackle, and current Bears Tackle, Kyle Long believes that the fast pace offense will be used to "punch people in the mouth." Jumping out at the other team and scoring a lot of points is how Long believes Oregon got the edge on a lot of people. King of the hurry up, Peyton Manning, believes that the tempo of the offense is less important than execution stating "Some teams play better when they go faster, that helps their execution, then so be it."

Dallas Cowboys (by: Mike Harar)

• The Cowboys survived a nail biter last Sunday against the Giants, winning 36-31 on the strength of six turnovers they created on defense. Two of those turnovers, one fumble and one interception, were returned for touchdowns. Tony Romo threw for two touchdowns as well, and seemed to be okay following the game after receiving a crushing blow to his ribs right before halftime.

• During the fourth quarter, cornerback Morris Claiborne suffered a dislocated left shoulder. He retuned to the game wearing a brace on his shoulder, and was able to practice on Wednesday as the team prepared for their Week Two matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Also back on the field Wednesday was defensive end Anthony Spencer, who has not practiced with the team since having knee surgery on July 25th. He got about 15-16 snaps with the second team and hopes to play this week. Spencer made the Pro Bowl in 2012 after collecting 95 tackles and 11 sacks.