Jon Beason sits out Giants practice

Jon Beason was back to training camp form, which is not good. The middle linebacker who missed all of the preseason was on the sideline for Thursday's practice, sitting out and watching the team's preparations for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

"We knew he would be limited, but I didn't know he wasn't going to go," Tom Coughlin said. "I guess about 10 o'clock they decided not to let him go."

Beason spent several minutes early in practice futzing with various cleats to help him feel comfortable with his recovering foot injury. He played on Monday night against the Lions in his first game action and said he was sore afterwards. He was limited in Wednesday's practice and may not be available on Friday.

"They think he'll play (in the game)," Coughlin said. "I think if he feels a little bit better, out here on the grass is fine."

The Giants practiced on the artificial turf in their fieldhouse Wednesday, which may have exacerbated Beason's soreness. They played on turf in Detroit, which Beason noted several times was not ideal for his injury. The Giants play their next two games at home at MetLife Stadium, which also has turf.

"That certainly doesn't help," Coughlin said of the gameday surface.

Losing Beason -- or having him limited in the game -- would be a tough blow for the Giants defense. It would also press the depth of the position with rookie Devon Kennard, the fourth linebacker behind the three starters, not expected to play on Sunday with a hamstring injury.

"I wouldn't try to say how serious it is," Coughlin said, "but he's not practiced this week and we don't expect him to tomorrow."