Ahmad Bradshaw will start for Giants, says Tom Coughlin

The New York Giants expected running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) to practice on Wednesday. Earlier in the week Bradshaw, who missed last Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers and most of the previous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, guaranteed he would play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Head coach Tom Coughlin said simply "yes," when asked on Wednesday if Bradshaw would be the starting running back if he is ready to play.

Andre Brown filled in well for Bradshaw, jump-starting a running game that was last in the NFL a season ago and continued to struggle Week 1 against the Cowboys. Brown ran 20 times for 113 yards against the Panthers.

Coughlin did, however, say that Brown has "definitely" earned playing time.

By our experience, and I'll explain it again... One year, we had three guys. You know, there's a long, long way to go, and we're just happy that we've had an opportunity to develop some players and they will all have the chance to contribute," Coughlin said.