Brandon Jacobs Out for Sunday Showdown Against the Cowboys

It wasn't "shoots self in leg," but it might be just as big a blow for the NFC-leading New York Giants.

Running back Brandon Jacobs, who has rushed for 1,002 yards this season, will not play this Sunday night against the Cowboys because of an injured left knee, says Ralph Vacchiano over at The Blue Screen.

Tom Coughlin made that announcement (earlier today) after Jacobs missed his third straight practice with an injured left knee.

"We just didn't feel like he'd be ready to play," Coughlin said.

Derrick Ward, who is second on the team in rushing and sports an impressive 4.8 yards per carry, will replace Jacobs with Ahmad Bradshaw helping out with the load.

How big is this for the Cowboys' chance of winning? In their first meeting of the season, a 35-14 Giants win, Jacobs carried 17 times for 117 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys already have a rather stingy rush defense, so missing Jacobs will only give the front line a better chance to disrupt Eli Manning and the passing game.

(H/T PFT)