Neither the New York Giants nor the Pittsburgh Steelers know who will be their starting running back when the regular season begins and neither found any clarity on Saturday as the Giants beat the Steelers 18-13 in a sluggish pre-season clash.
Andre Brown had 23 yards on four carries and David Wilson added 16 yards on five attempts for New York.
They were listed as co-starters on the depth chart as the Giants look to replace Ahmad Bradshaw, who was released in the off-season.
Pittsburgh’s second-round draft pick Le’Veon Bell, who has been the talk of training camp as he had seemingly moved ahead of Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, did not play because of a minor knee injury.
Redman, who was listed as No. 1 on the depth chart, ran twice for just seven yards, while Dwyer had 15 yards on six carries.
Fourth-stringer LaRod Stephens-Howling, signed as a free agent in the off-season from the Arizona Cardinals, ran for 40 yards on seven carries.
He is considered more of a change-of-pace back who will likely make his biggest impact in the return game.
Both starting quarterbacks were replaced after the first quarter.
New York’s Eli Manning completed two of five passes for one touchdown, a 57-yard strike to Victor Cruz, and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger was four of eight for 36 yards.
Josh Brown kicked three field goals for the Giants.
Meanwhile, New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks will not suit up for Saturday night’s pre-season opener against the host Pittsburgh Steelers, the Giants announced.
Tuck has missed the team’s last two practices with lingering back pain. Tuck told the New York Daily News the injury was not serious. Coach Tom Coughlin said he was surprised by it.
“Really, nobody saw this coming,” Coughlin said. “All of a sudden, his back was stiff and tight. He’s doing what he can now to get that thing back to where it should be so he can get back to work.”
Nicks has been sidelined by a groin strain that he sustained early in training camp. He told WFAN-AM last week that he is “100 percent.”
However, he has been limited to riding a stationary bike during practice.
Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said on Saturday that rookie E.J. Manuel would start at quarterback in the pre-season opener yesterday in Indianapolis.
Veteran Kevin Kolb is sidelined with a minor left knee injury, but could be available in an emergency situation.
It could also be a sign that Manuel is winning the job.
Manuel was taken with the No. 16 overall pick in the April draft out of Florida State.
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