The injury-riddled Giants’ vaunted depth will be tested, with wideout Ramses Barden (concussion), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (quad), corner Jayron Hosley and safety Kenny Phillips (knee) all ruled out for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland at MetLife Stadium.
“It’s well-tested,’’ said coach Tom Coughlin. “As we always say, it’s a great opportunity for the next guy. He’s going to have plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. Here we go.’’
RT David Diehl (knee) and LB Keith Rivers (hamstring) are listed as doubtful.
WR Hakeem Nicks (knee/foot) already had been ruled out, leaving Big Blue dangerously thin at receiver, with Domenik Hixon expected to start and rookie Rueben Randle the No. 3 wideout.
Nicks did a little jog-through work yesterday, and his improved spirits bode well for next weekend against San Francisco.
“He’s getting there, I think. He mentally feels better, that’s for sure,” said Coughlin. “He feels like he’s getting there.’’
* LB Michael Boley (hip), safety Antrel Rolle (knee), RG Chris Snee (hip) and CB Corey Webster (hamstring/hand) all practiced on a limited basis and are listed as questionable, with all but Snee intimating they will play.
Asked about Snee, Coughlin said: “We’ll see. We’ll keep monitoring his progress, and we’ll see.’’
Stevie Brown will start for Phillips, and third-year man Mitch Petrus would play if Snee is unable to play.
* Coughlin was noncommittal about whether he would activate safety Tyler Sash, who served a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
But he said the Giants wouldn’t put Phillips on the short-term injured reserve, which would require sitting out eight weeks.
* Cleveland DB Tashaun Gipson (knee) and TE Alex Smith (head) were ruled out, while receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin are doubtful.
The injuries. however, haven’t hurt RB Trent Richardson’s confidence. When asked if the Browns could run on the Giants’ defense, he said: “Oh, yeah. If we put our hat on a number [block], just cover them up, I think we can get good yardage on them.’’
Richardson missed yesterday’s practice for the birth of his third child.