Jason Pierre-Paul (back spasms) won't play Friday night

Jay Cutler and the Bears will have one less thing to worry about Friday night.

Jason Pierre-Paul, the defensive end who tormented the Jets' Wayne Hunter for two sacks last Saturday night, will not play in the third preseason game against the Bears. He sat out Wednesday's practice with back spasms and Tom Coughlin said he will also be sidelined for the upcoming preseason game.

Coughlin, however, was not concerned about any long-term issues with Pierre-Paul.

"It'll end up being precautionary," Coughlin said. "He would have practiced and played, but the medical people kind of said this would be the best way to go so that we ensure going forward that he'll be OK."

Osi Umenyiora will start in place of Pierre-Paul. Hmmm. Maybe Cutler and the Bears shouldn't get too comfortable.

No doubting Thomas

Marcus Thomas said he was surprised when his phone didn't ring during free agency and there were no NFL teams willing to take a chance on him. So too were the Giants, who were happy to grab him when they needed help at defensive tackle last week.

"They're not easy to find," Coughlin said of starting-caliber players in the middle of training camp. "To have a guy like that, that was available to come into your camp and also to be medically OK [is rare]."

Thomas, who played five seasons with the Broncos and was coming off his best statistical season in 2011, is expected to see his first action for the Giants. He was signed just before last week's game against the Jets and was not in uniform for it.

"We're anxious to see him play a little bit," Coughlin said. "It's kind of a very interesting story for a guy that started and played 11 games last year."

Giant steps

Safety Will Hill missed practice to attend to a death in his family. Coughlin said he's expected back with the team to play tomorrow . . . Cornerback Jayron Hosley said he hopes to return to the field early next week. He had a turf toe injury in the game against the Jets.