Jacobs Works On Limited Basis

With Derrick Ward already on Injured Reserve, it's imperative that New York get Brandon Jacobs healthy for Sunday's matchup in Philadelphia. Jacobs worked on a limited basis during Wednesday's practice, as did rookie CB Aaron Ross.

Not surprisingly, Jacobs was confident that he'd be able to play against the Eagles.

"I have to be there for this one,” Jacobs said. “I hope they clear me and let me play, because this is a big game. We lost Derrick, so I need to be able to get out there and go this week.

“I feel very good about my chances of playing this week. I feel fine. I’m still limited. I’m just trying to get to the end of the week.” Giants coach Tom Coughlin's confidence level was significantly lower.

“We’ll have to see,” Coughlin said. “He was at a certain point last week. We got a pretty good week of practice out of him. It didn’t feel like he could go (in the game). And so he is that much further along. He did run on Monday. The whole thing that has to be is that the player has to perform without thinking about that injury. And we’ll see how he practices. And if that is the case, if he can push beyond it.”

*Four Giants did not practice Wednesday, including both starting safeties, Gibril Wilson (knee) and James Butler (hamstring). “(Wilson) has a sprained knee and it will take some time,” Coughlin said. “It is going to take a little bit to get him back.”

Also missing practice were Plaxico Burress (ankle) and linebacker Antonio Pierce (ankle). Pierce played in Chicago with the same injury. Asked if he is concerned about Pierce’s availability for Philadelphia, Coughlin said, “We’ll see what happens.’

*Wide receiver Steve Smith, who hasn’t played since Sept. 16 because of a fractured scapula and then a hamstring injury, practiced fully. Smith he felt as good as he has since suffering his first injury almost three months ago.

“We are going to push him along," Coughlin said.

*For Philadelphia, RB Brian Westbrook did not practice due to a knee injury. Quarterback Donovan McNabb, who missed the last two games with a sprained ankle and a thumb injury, practiced fully.