EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Oft-injured Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants underwent a test in the area of his right ankle on Monday, and he had another one scheduled.

Shockey was forced off the field in Sunday’s 19-3 win over Washington with what was described as a foot injury. X-rays after the game did not reveal any broken bones.

However, Shockey had more tests in the area of his right ankle on Monday and more were planned on Tuesday, coach Tom Coughlin said.

“Quite frankly, to be honest with you, once the game was over and this process was designed, I’ve taken the position where I’m just going to think positive about it and wait to see,” Coughlin said. “That’s the only response I can have.”

Shockey has been playing hurt all season. He sprained his right ankle in the final preseason game and it has limited him in the first four regular-season games.

The five-year veteran was unable to play for part of the second half and for all of the overtime against Philadelphia in the second week of the season. The last pass thrown in his direction against Washington came late in the third quarter.

Shockey, who created headlines by saying that the Giants were outcoached in an embarrassing loss to Seattle on Sept. 24, came into the Washington game after resting the ankle for two weeks. The Giants had a bye after the Seahawks game.

“We had a full week where he was rested, and then when he was brought back, he responded very well,” Coughlin said. “He practiced well. He felt good and practiced well, and how this other one came about I’m not sure.”

Shockey has missed at least one game in each of his four previous seasons. He missed a game in 2002 with a turf toe. He missed the final seven in 2003 with a knee injury. He missed the final game in 2004 with a back injury and the final one last year with an ankle injury.

Shockey had one catch against Washington for 13 yards, giving him a dozen this season for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning was not worried about Shockey’s injuries.

“He works hard,” Manning said Monday. “When he can practice, he practices hard and goes out there. He wants to be out there. Having him at whatever percentage he is, is usually better than the guy he is going against.”

Also in the injury front, Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce said he has been playing with a cast on his left hand for the past three games. He hurt it against Philadelphia on Sept. 17. The injury was noticeable after Pierce dropped a ball thrown right into his hands by Mark Brunell.

on Sunday.

“Can you catch the ball with one hand?” Pierce said of the play. “I can’t.”

Pierce refused to say whether his hand was broken.

“Tackling, I can do that,” he said.

When asked how much Pierce’s hand hurt, Coughlin didn’t exactly answer the question.

“He has to wear some kind of an implement,” Coughlin said, probably referring to the cast.

AP-ES-10-09-06 1852EDT

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