EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons after missing practice for a third straight day with knee and foot injuries.
Safety Kenny Phillips (knee) and cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring) also will not play.
"It would have been a reach for (Bradshaw) to be ready. But someone like that and his constitution, you have to give him every benefit of the doubt," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "I'm sure he'd be disappointed right now. He thinks come game day it's all going to straighten out for him. In this case it's medically the only wise move."
Bradshaw sprained his knee in last Sunday's win over the Saints and wasn't able to participate in his usual one day of practice. The veteran has dealt with nagging foot issues all season, which has limited him to just one practice per week. Bradshaw leads the Giants with 869 rushing yards, and Coughlin said this is a week-to-week injury.
With Bradshaw out, it appears that rookie David Wilson will be in line for the first start of his career. He rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns last week, and also scored on a kickoff. Coughlin said Wilson could handle 20 carries if needed, but the team also could use its other backs. Wilson has just 41 rushes for 211 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Amukamara, who perhaps has been the team's best corner, suffered his hamstring injury against the Saints. He did not practice this week; it will be the third game he has missed this season. The Giants could have used him to face Atlanta's powerful wide receiver combo of Julio Jones and Roddy White, but rookie Jayron Hosley now will have to step in.
Phillips will miss his second straight game after aggravating his knee Nov. 25 against Green Bay. Phillips played a small number of snaps the following week against Washington before sitting out last week against New Orleans. Phillips has missed seven games this season, and backup Stevie Brown has played quite well in Phillips' absence.
Linebacker Michael Boley (back) is probable for the game after a having a limited practice Friday. He had not practiced Wednesday and Thursday; his back injury flared up early Wednesday. Boley has played in every game this season, and will be playing in Atlanta for the first time since the Giants signed him away from the Falcons in 2009.
"I think he'll be fine," Coughlin said.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (back) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee), who both missed practice Wednesday, are probable for the game.
"I feel good and ready to play," Nicks said. "Big game, we need it, and focus on playing team ball and get the job done."
Tight end Travis Beckum (knee) and center David Baas (shoulder) are both probable, while safety Tyler Sash (hamstring) has been ruled out.