Strahan Finally Shows

If only Michael Strahan will prove to be as elusive to the Cowboys offensive linemen as he was on Monday avoiding the media, Big Blue will be in good shape.

Multiple writers waited basically all day for Strahan to show his face at Giants Stadium. He finally did, shortly before 4 p.m. The perennial Pro Bowler met with GM Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin and is prepared to practice with his teammates Tuesday as the club begins its on-field preparations for opening night.

“Michael reported to the team this afternoon,” Reese said after Strahan left his office. “His arrival time here at the stadium is no reflection on his desire to be part of this team. There were some practical, administrative issues that needed to be finalized. Obviously, we are glad that Michael is back, that he wants to be back and that he wants to continue his playing career. As I have stated several times since the beginning of training camp, Michael Strahan is a Hall of Fame player and we are a stronger team with him.

"The past few weeks are behind us. We're moving forward. We're looking forward to opening the season in Dallas.”

As for Strahan’s immediate status, the Giants will have a little time to determine just how he’ll fit onto the club’s 53-man roster.

“We have requested and been granted a roster exemption for Michael,” Reese said. “The period for the exemption is two games, which means at any point during that time we can put Michael on the active roster.”

Strahan met with Coughlin following his meeting with Reese.

“Michael came in this afternoon and we had a good conversation,” Coughlin said. “He wants to be here and he wants to play and it was obvious to me he wants to get to work and be part of this team. We will take the next day or so to assess where Michael is in terms of his conditioning. He has always taken tremendous care of himself. We'll see where he is and as the week progresses, we'll evaluate what kind of role he may play this week.”

Strahan is expected to speak with reporters on Tuesday. However, with number 92, you just never know…

Notes

The Giants added three more players to their practice squad: Offensive lineman Na’Shan Goddard, who was on the Giants’ roster but inactive for the first seven games of the 2006 season; wide receiver Fred Gibson of Georgia, who was in training camp with the St. Louis Rams; and defensive back Geoffrey Pope of Howard, who was in Miami’s camp.