Pierce to play? 'I don't have that answer'

One week ago, after barely practicing all week, linebacker Antonio Pierce said there was no doubt he was going to play. This week, after not practicing at all, Pierce said “I don’t have that answer.” It sounds a lot like Pierce is going to be out, and Chase Blackburn will get the start in his place. It’s not official yet - in fact Pierce is listed as “questionable” - but the middle linebacker sounded very down and pessimistic after emerging from about an hour of acupuncture treatment today on his injured quad. Asked how he’s doing, he said only “I’m walking, I’ve got a job and I’m alive, so about the same.” Asked about his status for Sunday’s game against the 49ers he said “That’s a medical decision.” The quad has been bothering Pierce since he was sidelined for the fourth quarter of the Giants’ blowout win over Seattle two weeks ago. He tried to play Monday night against the Browns, but ... (link)