Giants' injury report: Jacquian Williams expects to play

Jacquian Williams might be returning to the New York Giants just in time.

The second-year linebacker has been out since Week 6 with a knee injury, but is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints on the team's official injury report.

"It's time. I practiced better. My team can use me and I'm ready. I'm just waiting on the release from the medical staff and coaches," Williams said on Friday.

The Giants can definitely benefit from having a healthy Williams, their best coverage linebacker, on Sunday. New Orleans has a high-powered passing attack led by All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees, and the Giants could be short-handed in the secondary. Safety Tyler Sash won't play due to a hamstring injury, and starting safety Kenny Phillips is doubtful because of a lingering knee injury that cost him six games earlier in the season. Phillips played sparingly against the Washington Redskins.

Since Phillips returned two weeks ago the Giants have been employing three safeties, using one to cover a slot receiver or tight end. If Phillips can't go the responsibility for matching up with Jimmy Graham, the prolific tight end who has 59 catches and 8 touchdowns for New Orleans, could largely fall to Williams.

"He's a big part of their offense, so of course, I'll be expecting to see him," Williams said.

For their part, the Giants will be glad to see Williams in uniform Sunday.

OTHER INJURY NOTES: Tight end Travis Beckum (knee) is out again. Wide receivef Hakeem Nicks, whose knee has flared up again, practiced on a limited basis Friday and is questionable for Sunday.