RB Andre Brown/DT Markus KuhnSeason-ending injuries to running back David Wilson and defensive tackle Shaun Rogers opened up spots at the respective positions for Andre Brown and Markus Kuhn, who were injured and have not played this season. Brown was on injured reserve/designated for return, and Kuhn was on the physically unable to perform list. Brown will definitely make his season debut on Sunday, while Kuhn is hoping to do the same.

CB Terrell ThomasThomas continues his comeback journey from multiple knee injuries to inspire not only his team but the NFL as well. Proving it is more than a feel-good story, Thomas has been a major contributor on a defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown in 10 quarters. Thomas was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Philadelphia before the bye.

LB Jacquian WilliamsDefensive coordinator Perry Fewell went with the hot hand and played Williams on every defensive snap in their last game against Philadelphia. You can expect to see more from the third-year pro, whose speed will be called upon against Oakland's elusive quarterback, Terrelle Pryor."Our plan was for him to play some and Spencer [Paysinger] to play some, but it was going pretty good for him," Fewell said. "Jacquian was playing really well and so why mess up a good thing? We just stuck with the chemistry and Jacquian obviously finished out the game. We plan on him playing like that this week also and if the chemistry is good, he'll play a majority of the snaps."

S Will HillLike Williams, Hill contributed to the chemistry on the defense and came on strong in the second quarter of the season, recording 25 solo tackles in the last four games. Hill brings tenacity to the defense, which has his position coach seeing more to come. "So what he's doing now is he's having the ability to actually go out and show the world what he has," David Merritt said over the bye week. "Jersey kid. A lot of guys saw it in high school. You're talking (about) a local hero here, so what he's doing is not surprising at all. I would love for him to do a couple of more things a little better and I'm going to continue to harp on those things, but it's not surprising to me at all."

DT Johnathan HankinsThe Giants' second-round draft choice has played the waiting game behind a veteran group on the defensive line. His first contribution didn't come until Week 5 when he notched five solo tackles against Philadelphia, but with Rogers now on injured reserve, an opportunity opens up for the rookie out of Ohio State. "I wouldn't say I'm really excited because a guy went down and he was hurt but the opportunity is there," Hankins said. "And it's there for me to take, so I'm going to take full advantage of it."