National Football League

Jacobs likely out with sprained MCL

Published Oct. 7, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

One day after saying he wanted to be ''unleashed,'' Giants running back Brandon Jacobs wound up bound to the locker room and is likely out of Sunday's game against Seattle (1-3).

Jacobs, nursing a sprained left MCL, missed his third day of practice Friday and is doubtful. After starting practice on the stationary bike, Jacobs jogged off to the locker room.

''I thought he'd make more progress, but that hasn't been the case,'' coach Tom Coughlin said. ''I don't know if it's a setback, but there is swelling.''

DJ Ware will move up to the second running back spot behind Ahmad Bradshaw for the Giants (3-1), and seventh-round rookie Da'Rel Scott could see his first offensive action after spending the first four games on special teams.

Having the pounding Jacobs out of the lineup could have a profound effect on a running game that has been inconsistent. With center David Baas out with a neck injury, reserve center Kevin Boothe will have to step in against the league's 14th-best run defense and provide the physicality the Giants have lacked.

''It affects the gameplan, but there's opportunities for others to step up,'' Coughlin said. ''They have to step up and do the job.''

Defensive end Justin Tuck (neck/groin) also missed practice and is doubtful. Cornerback Prince Amukamara (foot) is out.