Bills' Jackson a stiff test for 'D'

As good as the Giants' pass rush has been this season, their rushing defense has been shredded by the likes of LeSean McCoy, Beanie Wells and Marshawn Lynch. Buffalo running back Fred Jackson, who visits MetLife Stadium on Sunday, might pose the biggest threat of all because he hurts teams with his receiving ability, too.

Jackson ranks third in the NFL in combined rushing and receiving yards with a total of 712 yards; only Chicago running back Matt Forte (785) and New England wide receiver Wes Welker (740) have more.

"He's got it all,'' Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Friday. "He's an excellent screen runner, let alone flanked out. It's running the ball, and the big thing is run after first contact. Half his yards are after first contact, so you have to tackle.''

Defensive lineman Dave Tollefson said Jackson actually is a triple threat when you consider his blocking ability.

"The more I watch Fred Jackson on film, he's so impressive,'' Tollefson said. "He helps in pass protection and does a [great] job, chipping and being physical. That's going to be an issue itself, us trying to avoid getting knocked on our butts by a Fred Jackson chip.''

Step forward for DeOssie

The Giants got some positive injury news when long snapper Zak DeOssie (concussion) was cleared to practice Friday.

"I practiced today, and that was a big test,'' said DeOssie, who is listed as questionable and expects to be tested again before the game. "I feel pretty optimistic about it.''

Snee won't be playingG Chris Snee, who also has a concussion, was ruled out of the game along with RB Brandon Jacobs (knee), DE Justin Tuck (groin/neck) and FB Henry Hynoski (neck).

Coughlin said Snee, who is the coach's son-in-law, is progressing and is tough when it comes to injuries. "He's making progress every day,'' Coughlin said.

DE Osi Umenyiora said he sat out Wednesday's practice to rest a sore knee but doesn't expect that to happen every week.

Coughlin plans to fill the open spot on the 53-man roster with someone from the practice squad.