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Five Players to Watch vs. Patriots
Giants.com brings you five players to watch during Thursday night's matchup with the Patriots.

QB Ryan NassibTom Coughlin said Wednesday that the starters will play 12-15 snaps in New England and that rookie Ryan Nassib will be the second quarterback in the rotation behind Eli Manning. Nassib did not appear last week against the Jets after completing 3 of 10 passes for 77 yards in the first two preseason games. His job and the jobs of second - and third-string receivers could be decided in the fourth and final preseason game. "I'm definitely going to have to be ready to go a lot sooner as opposed to the last two, three games," Nassib said. "My goals going in are planning on executing, getting the ball out fast and trying to put some points on the board."

WR Jerrel JerniganLast week the wide receiver saw more action than he has in his first two seasons in the NFL combined. Jernigan, who has just three catches in 17 regular-season games, was targeted 15 times against the Jets. He hauled in a team-high five catches for 66 yards as the former third-round draft choice tries to carve out a role on the team.

CB Charles JamesThe cornerback out of Charleston Southern is trying to make the team as an undrafted rookie and will have his last audition on Thursday night against the Patriots. James put together a solid showing at training camp and has translated it to live games, including his role in punt returns. "I've been impressed by the kid going back to catch punts," Tom Coughlin said recently. "He caught that towering punt a couple of weeks ago, which was very impressive. So he jumps right in and he does whatever you ask him to do, so that's been impressive."

RB Michael CoxThe seventh-round draft choice is providing options for the Giants in kickoff return. With David Wilson playing an increased role on offense, the rookie running back has looked comfortable in the return game and averaged 26.3 yards on three attempts against the Jets with a long of 35. He was a bright spot in last week's preseason game.

OL James BrewerListed at tackle, James Brewer is the latest offensive lineman to be shuffled, and the team has him playing left guard. Brewer has never started a game in the NFL, let alone at left guard, but will get his shot on Thursday night. "I'm very excited to be playing left guard," Brewer said. "Honestly, just the chance to start is big for me and whether or not I'm on the left side or right side, as long as I'm on the field. My main objective is to be on the field. Wherever they feel the need to put me to do so is a blessing. That's really how I feel about that."