Wide receiver Ramses Barden could make his long-awaited 2011 debut Sunday for the New York Giants when they face the New England Patriots in Foxboro.
But offensive starters Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks and David Baas did not travel with the team and will not play in the game.
Barden, the third-year receiver, was activated from the reserve/PUP list, where he has spent the entire season. Barden has not played since Nov. 14, 2010, when he fractured his ankle in a game against Dallas. He returned to practice after the bye two weeks ago. In his first two seasons, Barden played in nine games and had six catches for 80 yards.
Bradshaw, the team’s leading rusher with 440 yards; Nicks, the top receiver with 38 catches; and Baas, the starting center, were downgraded to out after being listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report Friday. Bradshaw has a fractured bone in his foot, Nicks has a sore hamstring and Baas has a knee injury. All three players were hurt in last week’s victory over Miami.
Brandon Jacobs is expected to start at running back for Bradshaw. Victor Cruz will likely fill in for Nicks, and Kevin Boothe will step in for Baas at center for the second time this season. Baas also missed the Seattle game on Oct. 9.