Giants RB Rashad Jennings unlikely to play Monday against Vikings

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings is unlikely to play on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple sources.

Jennings is dealing with a left thumb injury. Even though he was a limited participant in practice throughout the week, he was a surprise inactive Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Shane Vereen and Orleans Darkwa handled most of the running back snaps, but Vereen tore his triceps and was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Darkwa and Bobby Rainey should split the heaviest workload in Minnesota. Rookie Paul Perkins could also enter the mix. Perkins was the Giants' fifth-round draft pick this year out of UCLA.

Jennings, 31, practiced last week with a small cast and padding on his left thumb and wrist. Coach Ben McAdoo said he had no problem with a running back who could only carry the ball in one hand.

But the primary concerns with Jennings were his ability to catch the football and pass protect. The Giants didn't feel comfortable he could do either without limitations. They decided their other options at running back were better than a limited Jennings.

Darkwa and Vereen ran for 120 yards on 21 carries (5.7 YPC). They caught three passes for 37 yards and Rainey added a catch for 24 yards.

Jennings is expected on the practice field again this week in a limited capacity. He is hoping to prove to the Giants that he can play.

"Absolutely. I'm ready to practice hard, show we're I'm at and hopefully we're ready to rock this week," he said.

It appears to be a long shot.

No matter which Giants running back is on the field, they could have trouble finding room to run against the Vikings. Minnesota is seventh in the NFL in stopping the run, allowing 84 rushing yards per game. The Giants are 19th in rushing offense at 99 yards per game.

Jennings has 31 carries for 102 yards (3.3 YPC) in two games this season.