Giants/Patriots Preview

Foxborough, MA (WFAN)  -- The Giants came into training camp with very few spots to fill on their roster and nothing has changed, although coach Tom Coughlin says the preseason finale against the Patriots can affect those on the bubble. Coughlin said he expects to play his starters for a quarter but hinted he may shake up the depth chart a bit. He also wants to find snaps for quarterbacks Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar, one of whom needs to give the Giants a reason to keep a third quarterback. Here are three things to watch for:

1. The depth chart. Perhaps some of Coughlin's most interesting decisions after this game won't be who makes his final roster, but who's worked their way into the game plan for opening day against the Washington Redskins. Among the key spots, first-rounder Hakeem Nicks may be in position to challenge Mario Manningham as the third receiver. Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas are locked in a tight battle to be the third corner - or maybe even a starting corner should Aaron Ross (hamstring) not be ready for the first game. And Coughlin has yet to settle on a punt returner - he was antsy enough to put starting WR Domenik Hixon back there last weekend against the Jets - but he'd prefer to have Hixon concentrate on his offensive responsibilities.

2. The receivers. Let's count on the Giants keeping six, although they'll dress only five on gameday. Hixon, Steve Smith, Manningham, Nicks and rookie Ramses Barden are locks. Who gets the final spot? Coughlin's praise for Derek Hagan's ability to learn all three receiver positions as well as play special teams - and his strong play in practice - appears to give him the inside track. Sinorice Moss had a terrific off-season, but it hasn't translated into preseason production and he's frustrated he hasn't had more passes thrown his way. He also didn't help himself on specials by allowing a punt to drop inside the 10 in each of the past two games. Super Bowl XLII hero David Tyree will miss his second straight game with a sore hamstring and has admitted to thoughts about possibly playing his final game in a Giants' uniform.

3. Woodson/Bomar. Coughlin said he's already decided how many quarterbacks he wants to keep yet won't disclose his plan. He kept two last year because he needed an extra kicker. Perhaps Coughlin has another position he'd like to fortify at the expense of a third passer this season. Woodson's inconsistent preseason play and Bomar's lack of playing time make you think he's not going to retain either one. It's more likely Woodson and Bomar are heading into the New England game competing for a spot on the practice squad.