Giants PK Tynes' thigh bruise healing quickly

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes' bruised right thigh is feeling much better, and there is a chance that he might be able to play against the Chicago Bears next Monday night.

"I feel good," Tynes said Monday. "I feel a little weak within the bruising, but overall it feels a lot better than I thought it was going to."

Tynes was injured in the second half of the Giants' 20-10 preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers when he was run into by Sean Ware on a blocked field goal attempt.

After leaving the stadium on crutches Saturday, Tynes walked without much of a limp Monday. He did not practice but he hopes to kick either Wednesday or Thursday.

"I just feel very, very fortunate," Tynes said, adding he was lucky that he did not hurt his knee seriously on the play.

Tynes has no ill feelings toward rookie tackle James Brewer, who didn't block down on the play, thus allowing Ware to come through.

"That's football, man. Mistakes are made, I make mistakes," he said. "Whatever mistake was made is part of football. It happens, I'm sure he doesn't feel great about it. But that's just what happens. I'm not bitter."

Coach Tom Coughlin still has not decided whether to bring in another placekicker for the game. Punters Matt Dodge and Steve Weatherford handled some extra point attempts at practice and both can handle the kickoff duties.

Backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels missed practice because he had strep throat. Defensive end Dave Tollefson was out with back spasms and receiver Sam Giguere is sidelined with a severe groin injury.