**

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –** The Giants are not at the point where they're asking for volunteers to participate in practice, but they're getting close.

	RELATED NEWS
	Updated Power Rankings A look at power rankings coming in from across the country... Upon Further Review Coach Tom Coughlin talks team strength after viewing the game tape... Inside the Giants locker room Giants players meet the media a day after the loss at home...

Ten players will not work today when the Giants begin their on-field preparations for their game against the Lions Sunday in Detroit. The list includes wide receiver Victor Cruz and starting guards David Diehl and James Brewer.

Cruz suffered a concussion and a sprained knee last week vs. Seattle.

"He is going through the concussion protocol, but he does have a knee, which will probably prevent him from doing anything," Coughlin said. "But he's being evaluated as he goes forward for the knee and the concussion."

Also sitting out are running back Peyton Hillis (concussion), defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (shin/quad), wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (knee), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder), safety Cooper Taylor (hamstring) and cornerbacks Trumaine McBride (groin) and Terrell Thomas (knee, normal rest day).

Coach Tom Coughlin said the high number of absences has prompted him to alter practice.

"We'll adjust it and we'll do half speed work and half jog thru and that type of thing," Coughlin said. "We'll get all the learning in, but probably half of the speed work."

Coughlin hopes to have at least three or four of the injured players on the practice field tomorrow.

"You want to roll the dice?" he said when asked which players  might return to work tomorrow.  "Yeah, anybody that comes through the door, we'll be more than happy to wrap our arms around."

Given the injuries and issues on the offensive line, Coughlin was asked if he was wary of Eli Manning playing a full game if the protection is suspect. Even if he considered the idea, Manning would do everything he could to dissuade him.

"Matter of fact, we've talked about this," Coughlin said. "He wants to play and he's looking forward to playing and competing and having a better game. I wouldn't expect anything different."

Coughlin said he was impressed with Jernigan, who led the team with seven receptions and returned three kickoffs for 74 yards last week against the Seahawks.

"His toughness was outstanding the other day," Coughlin said. "Even running his kickoffs up in there, he barreled up in there and got knocked around from side to side, spun around and then the play he made late where (safety Kam) Chancellor came and stuck him and he spun out of that and kept going. I was inspired by that."