Dexter Lawrence: “I’m playing” Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles

Dexter Lawrence was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury. However, the New York Giants’ star defensive tackle left no doubt about his status for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I’m playing,” he said in the locker room after practice.

Lawrence, second in the league with 7.0 sacks, said he was “just resting” on Wednesday.

Lawrence acknowledged the importance of the game as the Giants were 2-4 and struggling to stay relevant in a wide-open NFC East.

“The layout is pretty square. We still have chances,” said Lawrence. “I am confident that we can beat anyone. I don’t think it’s just the Eagles’ fault. I don’t really play with the emotions. They are all subject to change. I don’t really listen or pay attention to them. Our goal is to beat the Eagles. Whoever we play next week will be to beat that team and so on and so forth. So that’s just the mindset.”

Saquon Barkley’s return

This will be Barkley’s return to MetLife Stadium, and Lawrence knows the challenge he presents.

“I know what kind of player he is and what attitude he has before games. I’m looking forward to competing and just beating the Eagles,” Lawrence said.

“I think we have to stop Saquon from getting started. We have to plug the holes. We have a lot of guys and a lot of people to target him. He’s good at finding the second or third lead. We have to stop his feet before he starts because then he’s explosive. Elite (running) back. We have to stop his feet. We have to beat the guys in front of us on offense and make sure Saquon doesn’t come into the game.”

Lawrence said he wanted to “impose my will on him a little.”

Lawrence said there was “no telling” how fans at the stadium would greet Barkley.

“Honestly, I think he’s done a lot of good for this organization. But we have some tough fans and they will use him however they see fit,” Lawrence said. “I appreciate what he has done for this organization and, most importantly, who he was to me as a teammate and person. But there’s war on Sunday and he knows it.”