Giants DT Linval Joseph required post-season ankle surgery.

Coach Tom Coughlin downplayed the procedure, suggesting Joseph will be "fine." The one unsung member of the Giants' stout front four, Joseph came up big in the playoffs, pushing the pocket and plugging the middle in the run game.

Linval Joseph is working as the new starting nose tackle at Giants training camp.

He'll open the season there. The 46th pick in last year's draft, Joseph is Barry Cofield's replacement at nose tackle. Joseph only played 60 snaps in his rookie season, so he's going from non-factor to starter without being eased in. Still, Joseph has loads of talent and was a star in 2010 training camp. The Giants' run defense projects as an easy top-ten unit in 2011.