Giants preparing to go to Minnesota without Toomer

Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

The Minnesota Vikings would be formidable enough even if New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer were his durable old self.

But Toomer missed his second consecutive day of practice on Thursday with a strained hamstring. The Giants have begun preparing to play without him at Minnesota on Sunday.

Toomer injured his leg late in a 28-13 loss Sunday to Detroit. He has not been ruled out of the game against the Vikings, but he is not definitely playing either.

Coach Tom Coughlin sounded as if Toomer's recovery was not complete and had been slower than expected.

"We felt like he may very well have been in good shape by midweek, but it wasn't to be that way, so now it'll end up being day to day," Coughlin said. "He's trying to stay as upbeat as he can."

Toomer has played in 118 consecutive games, a streak that began with the first game of the 1997 season. He has caught at least one pass in his last 89 games, a Giants record. He has caught 444 passes in his career for 6,737 yards, another team record. Only Tiki Barber, with 448 receptions, has caught more passes in a Giants uniform.

Although Toomer has not caught a touchdown pass this season, he and Barber share the team lead with 26 receptions.

Toomer would most likely be replaced by Jamaar Taylor, who played in his first professional game last Sunday and caught two passes.