The New York Giants will be without running back Ahmad Bradshaw, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and center David Baas on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
The team announced that the three offensive starters did not make the trip to New England on Saturday.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, however, did fly to New England and is expected to play, barring a set-back. First-round pick Prince Amukamara also traveled to New England. The cornerback could potentially make his NFL debut on Sunday.
The Giants were concerned that Pierre-Paul had suffered a concussion after he collided with a teammate on Thursday. But since he made the trip, he is expected to play Sunday as long as his concussion symptoms have subsided.
With Nicks out, the team activated wideout Ramses Barden off of the physically unable to perform list.
Barden could play third wideout for the Giants. Victor Cruz is expected to start alongside Mario Manningham. Rookie Jerrel Jernigan may also see time with Nicks out.
Nicks, the Giants leading receiver, originally hurt his hamstring on Sunday against the Dolphins.
Nicks was listed as doubtful and said earlier in the week that he wouldn't risk further injury to suit up against the Patriots.
"With my mentality, I like to bounce back pretty quickly from injuries. This is different; this is something that you have to be smart about," Nicks said. "We have a long season ahead of us. If I have to sit out one week and come back the next, I would rather do that than being out for a while. I just have to be smart about the whole situation."
Nicks has 38 receptions for 585 yards and three touchdowns.
If he plays, Barden will be making his first appearance in nearly 12 months. He caught three balls for 34 yards in the Giants' Nov. 14 loss to Dallas before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
Barden began practicing with the Giants two weeks ago.
"I'm preparing myself mentally and physically as if not only am I going to play but I'm going to contribute," Barden said earlier this week.
The 6-foot-6 Barden could prove to be an effective red zone tool for offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.
Gilbride will be without his top rusher on Sunday in Bradshaw.
Bradshaw suffered a cracked bone in his foot last Sunday against Miami, it was revealed Thursday. Bradshaw was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.
Embattled running back Brandon Jacobs will start in his place.
Jacobs was booed at home Sunday after running for just 10 yards on four carries. He also fumbled and dropped a pass, days after comments in which he complained about his role were published by a magazine.
On Tuesday, Jacobs said the boos didn't bother him. He also believes fans will see a new Jacobs for the rest of the season, starting with the New England game.
"You're going to see a change, man. You're going to see a change," Jacobs said.
Coughlin confirmed on Friday that Bradshaw will forgo surgery, attempting to play through the foot injury, just as he did in 2009. That season, Bradshaw played nine games with broken bones in both feet.
Bradshaw originally suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Giants' win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
Baas was doubtful due to a knee injury that kept him sidelined from practice all week. He will be replaced by Kevin Boothe who has started at center in the past for Baas.
Amukamara won't start, but he should see the field against Tom Brady and the Patriots. The rookie broke his left foot in his second practice in the preseason.
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell hinted that, with Amukamara in the fold, it would be easier to use a corner to cover the Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Amukamara also would allow safety Antrel Rolle to give up his nickel corner duties.
