Giants' Jacobs likely to miss Seattle game; Mangold expected back for Jets

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

One day after saying he wanted to be “unleashed,” Giants running back Brandon Jacobs wound up bound to the locker room and is likely out of Sunday’s game against Seattle (1-3).

Jacobs, nursing a sprained left MCL, missed his third day of practice today and is doubtful. After starting practice on the stationary bike, Jacobs jogged off to the locker room.

“I thought he’d make more progress, but that hasn’t been the case,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “I don’t know if it’s a setback, but there is swelling.”

DJ Ware will move up to the second running back spot behind Ahmad Bradshaw for the Giants (3-1), and seventh-round rookie Da’Rel Scott could see his first offensive action after spending the first four games on special teams.

Having the pounding Jacobs out of the lineup could have a profound effect on a running game that has been inconsistent. With center David Baas out with a neck injury, reserve center Kevin Boothe will have to step in against the league’s 14th-best run defense and provide the physicality the Giants have lacked.

“It affects the game plan, but there’s opportunities for others to step up,” Coughlin said. “They have to step up and do the job.”

Defensive end Justin Tuck (neck/groin) also missed practice and is doubtful. Cornerback Prince Amukamara (foot) is out.

Meanwhile, New York Jets center Nick Mangold is questionable for the team’s game at New England, but will likely start after missing the last two games with a high right ankle sprain.

Mangold was limited at practice today, as he has been all week, after being injured three weeks ago. But coach Rex Ryan says “I feel good about” Mangold being able to play, and the All-Pro center also says he’s optimistic.

Ryan stopped short of saying Mangold would definitely go Sunday. “Well, he’s listed as questionable. There’s that New England Patriots’ response,” he quipped.

Mangold was replaced the last two games by rookie Colin Baxter, who struggled last week at Baltimore.

Linebacker Garrett McIntyre, who suffered a concussion against the Ravens, was limited but won’t play.