Patriots Vs. Giants: Hakeem Nicks In, Most Patriots Starters Out

It's a Super Bowl rematch in name only, as many of the starters for both the New York Giants and New England Patriots are expected to sit out of tonight's contest.

The Giants are expected to play their first team offense for at least one series in the final game of the preseason, and receiver Hakeem Nicks will be on the field with them. The receiver has stated that he is 100 percent healthy and ready to go as the Giants face their final preparations for next week's showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) and G Chris Snee (leg) are not expected to play.

The Giants defense, however, will be missing nearly every player on the first team with Jason Pierre-Paul, Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck all sitting out of tonight's game.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are expected to play just one starter tonight with RT Sebastian Vollmer taking the field to give his ailing back a test in a game situation. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spent warmups running routes and playing defensive back, apparently, as he won't be suiting up for tonight's game.