--"We didn't start out well, but we didn't get the first team on the field for very long, either," said QB Eli Manning. "I understand that the coaches have to see the guys who are fighting for roster spots. We'll get our chances."

--WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) has gotten back on the field this week, although he's not running full-speed routes yet. "He has run some routes and done some individual," coach Tom Coughlin said. "That is pretty much what he has done. It is a step in the right direction."

--OT Shane Olivea, who had been sidelined most of training camp with a back injury, was placed on injured reserve. "We had an extended amount of time here where we tried to improve his situation. It didn't seem like we were getting very far," coach Tom Coughlin said. "It was very unfortunate, because we thought when we first brought Shane in this would be something where both parties would benefit. We had a veteran football player, a guy who had gone through some things, and was anxious to really start his career over. We thought that this was the right situation. We worked him out; he was in outstanding shape and we didn't think there was going to be any down time whatsoever.

"The unfortunate thing is that on his best practice day, that very evening, he couldn't come back out and practice. We wished him well, and hopefully he will get himself back to where he feels good about having an opportunity."

--Tight end Kevin Boss, a rookie (fifth round) last year who took over for the injured Jeremy Shockey, is now the starter with Shockey having been traded to New Orleans. He is bigger (265 pounds on his 6-6 frame) and plays with obviously more confidence. "His blocking is better, too," says position coach Mike Pope. "We miss Jeremy. I know I do, but Kevin is going to make the position proud."

--Head coach Tom Coughlin said he wants to get rookie QB Andre Woodson into the game Aug. 18 vs. Cleveland. "We have to see what he has learned and how far he has come," he says. "We like him. He has shown us a lot of good things."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We evaluate every player in the league who becomes available. Quarterback is no different. We always put in our due diligence because you don't want to look back and admit you missed one." -- Giants head coach Tom Coughlin when asked if the team was considering QB Chad Pennington, cut by the Jets to make room for Brett Favre and later signed by Miami.