Pro Football Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli, who played for the Giants and Rams during a 14-year NFL career, has died at age 85. "He was one of the greatest players in franchise history, and one of the finest, most dignified gentlemen you could ever meet," Giants president John Mara said. "Andy was a man's man in every respect." The reason for the death, which was first reported by THe Stamford Advocate, is unknown. New York won the 1956 NFL championship in Robustelli's first season. They won five more conference championships during his tenure, in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and 1963. "Andy was a great leader. When he came to us from the Rams, it turned everything around defensively," fellow Hall of Famer Frank Gifford said. "He fit perfectly into Tom Landry's defense. Tom Landry was such a leader in putting defense into pro football and Andy was one of the key components of that."

Giants wide receiver Steve Smith says the rehab on his surgically-repaired knee is going as planned. "I just got out of a really tough workout in the pool right now," Smith said on ESPN New York 1050's Ruocco and Lundberg show on Thursday. "I am running in the pool, doing a lot of strength work and I am doing pretty good. Things are looking good for me. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get this lockout done." Smith could be a restricted free agent based on whatever the new collective bargaining agreement will be. The wide out reiterated that he wants to remain a Giant and is confident that the team will re-sign him.

Tiki Barber hasn't taken the field yet in his comeback, but he's already taking hits for making an analogy to Holocaust victim Anne Frank. The former Giants running back has been criticized in local media for making the analogy during an interview in this week's Sports Illustrated. At one point in the article, Barber describes going into hiding with his girlfriend after his well-publicized breakup with his then-pregnant wife. Barber and his girlfriend ended up in the attic of the home of the player's agent, Mark Lepselter. "Lep's Jewish," Barber told Sports Illustrated. "And it was like a reverse Anne Frank thing." Lepselter came to his client's defense Thursday.

Clinton Portis would like the chance to play for the Giants next season, which would allow him to face the Redskins twice. "I would love that opportunity," Portis told SiriusXM NFL Radio. Portis, 29, noted that the Giants pound the football with their 1-2 running back punch of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. "I just need to be able to come out and show what I'm capable of," Portis said. "... I think it's revitalizing to have an opportunity and still have the drive and still have the hunger to go out and prove people wrong."

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is rooting for former teammate Plaxico Burress as he attempts a return to the NFL. "Obviously he's served his time, plus some," Manning said. Burress is scheduled to be released from prison June 6. He will have served 20 months of a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to weapons charges following an incident at a nightclub in November 2008. Manning did not rule out the possibility of Burress returning to the Giants following his release. "I'm excited that he's getting out, and if the Giants or another team give him a shot, I'll look forward to getting him back into football," Manning said.

Giants left tackle David Diehl doesn't believe that wide receiver Plaxico Burress will return to the team. Burress will be released from prison on June 6. "I would like to say yes," Diehl said. "He's had a lot of success for us as a player. But, if I were Plaxico, I would say no. With everything that happened (pleading guilty in 2009 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon), Plaxico has taken a lot of heat, not only through the media. ... I think about Michael Vick's situation. He went into a new situation, a new city, where he could almost start fresh with new teammates and go back to basics." Diehl made it clear that he believes Burress will be signed by a team and still has football ability, despite missing the last two seasons.

Giants owner John Mara has written an essay warning that the players’ strategy in the labor impasse, if successful, would lead to chaos in the NFL. Mara’s comments, posted on the team’s and league’s websites, point to the possibility of no league-wide minimum player salaries, “with many players making less than they do today,” and no minimum requirements for spending on team salaries, “with many clubs cutting payrolls the way some teams do in other sports.”

Barry Cofield would love nothing more than to retire as a Giant, according to an ESPN.com report on Wednesday. But after seeing the Giants draft defensive tackle Marvin Austin, Cofield understands he might not get what he wants and that his days as a Giant could very well be nearing an end. "It definitely does make you think that maybe they are preparing for life without me and if that is the case, then so be it," said Cofield. "I would love to be back with the Giants. Hopefully we can work out a long-term deal."

There appears to be a chance that Giants wide receiver Steve Smith will begin the season on the physical unable to perform list. Pro Football Weekly brought up the possibility. Smith is coming off a serious knee injury.

The Giants went through a 45-minute workout in the rain on Wednesday. For the second straight day, quarterback Eli Manning ran some of his receivers through passing drills. "It is better than sitting on a couch," tight end Kevin Boss said after the workout. "It is nice to get everyone out there and keep this thing going."