EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – One of the first things Shawn Andrews will do before Sunday’s game against the Redskins in Washington is take pain medication.
The New York Giants’ offensive tackle will get an injection of toradol. The medication relieves moderately severe pain.
Andrews needs it to play. The seven-year veteran, who turned 28 on Christmas, has had two back operations and recently missed three games because of back pain.
He is in the lineup this week because Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara aggravated a left Achilles’ tendon injury. Rich Seubert was moved from left guard to center and David Diehl will slide from left tackle to left guard. Andrews will take over Diehl’s starting spot for the second time this season.
“I’m exercising, working on my core strength and doing what I have to do so that I can stay in for the length of the game,” Andrews said Friday after the Giants (9-6) finished what might be their final practice of the season. “Of course, I don’t know what is going to happen, but I put my all into it, as I always have. I expect to finish the game and finish it strong and do well.”
Andrews then spoke about “doing the extra pre-game stuff” that helps him make it through the game without any worries.
That’s the shot of toradol.
“I am going to get an injection, that is no question,” Andrews said. “An injection is definitely going to happen and then the heat pads on my back and couple of other things we have that will aid in keeping me well.”
Andrews started counting on his fingers and then looked down at his toes when asked about the number of injections he has taken this season. He eventually said it was greater than his fingers and toes, and not all have worked.
“I have to time it right (the injection),” Andrews said. “I think two weeks ago I got the shot right before we went out for the kickoff (against Philadelphia on Dec. 19) and it didn’t kick in until I got home,” he said, laughing.
“I’m serious, man. I’m sitting there on the couch and feeling good,” he added. “Now I get it as soon as I go over there, right when I get there so it can kick in and resonate throughout my body.”
Besides the shots, Andrews has had three treatments provided with an epidural injection. He also was hospitalized in late November because the back pain was so severe against Philadelphia on Nov. 21. He missed the next three games and has seen limited action in the last two.
While he knows having to take shots before games can’t be good for his body long term, Andrews says he takes them because he is “living in the now.”
Andrews’ back injury caused him to miss all but two games in the 2008 and ’09 seasons, and the Eagles let him go this spring. He did not land a job until the Giants signed him at the end of training camp.
Andrews was doing well until his back problems flared again in November. He has been examined by a surgeon who told him the latest issue does not appear serious. But it does weigh on his mind.
“Me and my body are talking it out right now,” Andrews said. “We’re seeing where we are. We’re seeing right now we have the Redskins and that’s where we are.”
To make the playoffs, New York must win or tie while Chicago beats Green Bay. If not, the Giants will miss the postseason for a second straight year, and Andrews would return to California to strengthen his back.
Andrews says his struggles this season have increased his passion to stay in the game. He won’t leave until he’s told to pack up, and he hopes that won’t be until his contract expires in six years.
“I just want to go out on a good note,” Andrews said. “No one wants bad things said about them and all of that. The past is the past. But I am just doing this for my family, my teammates and me, because I know I still have a lot of great football left.”
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