(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-03 14:19

NEW YORK - The New York Giants, who threw caution to the wind with a full-out effort last Saturday to try and deny New England Patriots an undefeated season, await word on the availability of three injured starters for the playoffs.

Linebacker Kawika Mitchell and center Shaun O'Hara (sprained knees) and cornerback Sam Madison (abdominal strain) all limped off in Saturday's 38-35 loss to the Patriots, who completed a perfect 16-0 regular season.

None of them took part in practice on Wednesday, though Giants coach Tom Coughlin remained hopeful about Sunday's opening-round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Each one of them is making progress. They are not going to work today," Coughlin told reporters. "But I'm encouraged. We'll have to see."

Mitchell and O'Hara have been fitted with braces and were being tested for flexibility and strength, said Coughlin, who elected to play his starters all the way and challenge the Pats rather than rest players in the season finale.

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw, defensive back Kevin Dockery and receiver Sinorice Moss, all of whom missed the Patriots game because of injury, all practiced for Sunday's game.

Big running back Brandon Jacobs said there was no hangover following the New England game and that practice was spirited.

"Guys are flying around at practice, having fun at practice, wanting to do well, and some guys get pissed if you don't do something right," Jacobs said. "That is what I want."