"The last time I did that, we had an investigation," he said Wednesday, "so I'm not going to say I'm definitely playing." But given that he participated fully in yesterday's practice, the Giants running back probably will play against the Redskins. Almost certainly play. But will he virtually certainly play?

Whether he's listed as "probable" on the injury report issued today remains to be seen.

It was his status as probable - which under NFL rules constitutes a "virtual certainty" that a player will be able to perform - a week ago against the Cardinals that caused a minor flareup. Jacobs arrived in Arizona with every intention of playing, but after waking up Sunday with swelling in his sore knee, he decided to sit out the game. The NFL, as a matter of course, investigates every instance in which a player listed as probable does not participate. The league has not reached a conclusion in its examination of last week's scenario.

Jacobs, the Giants' leading rusher, injured his knee early in the game against the Ravens two weeks ago. He skipped most of the second half of that game, and although he practiced at the end of the week and made the trip to Arizona, he missed that game as well.

If Jacobs is unable to play against the Redskins, the Giants could be extremely shorthanded in the backfield. Ahmad Bradshaw has missed the last two practices with a stiff neck, leaving Derrick Ward as the only running back on the team who has not been listed on the injury report this week.

The Redskins also are having health issues at running back. Clinton Portis, the NFL's leading rusher, missed a second straight practice with knee and oblique injuries.

The Giants' defensive line also might be at less than full strength. Justin Tuck (lower leg) and Fred Robbins (shoulder) missed yesterday's practice. Robbins injured his shoulder in Sunday's game but Tuck practiced Wednesday and debuted on the injury report yesterday.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who has been nursing a strained hamstring since last week and played only one offensive series against the Cardinals, also missed yesterday's workout.

"Every team is dealing with injuries," Tuck said recently. "We just have to do our job as far as getting the treatment and making sure our bodies are ready for Sunday."

Sunday

Giants at Washington

1 p.m.

TV: Ch. 5

Radio: WFAN (660)