Giants DE Kiwanuka set to return to practice

Sep 10, 2008 - 7:19 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka is expected to return to practice Thursday, coach Tom Coughlin said Wednesday.

Kiwanuka has been held out of practice since suffering a left ankle injury on the final play of New York's season-opening 16-7 victory over the Washington Redskins six days ago.

The injury occurred when Redskins tackle Chris Samuels fell on the back of Kiwanuka's ankle. X-rays were negative, but Kiwanuka has been kept out of practice due to soreness in the ankle.

Samuels' upper torso was pinned against the ankle, and Kiwanuka accused the Redskin of a dirty play.

Kiwanuka was particularly sensitive to the play because he missed six weeks last season with a broken leg suffered in Week 10.