Kenny Phillips' status in question

The official update will come later today, but safety Kenny Phillips, who recently experienced some swelling in his surgically repaired knee wasn't very involved in the portion of practice the media was permitted to see even though he was in pads. It could be a precautionary measure, or it might signal a problem because he also sat out Wednesday's practice.

Others missing practice were expected and included LB Keith Bulluck (toe), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), C Shaun O'Hara (ankle/Achilles) and DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck).

DE Osi Umenyiora, who did not practice Wednesday, was working, and so were RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle), C Adam Koets (knee) and CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), who missed Thursday's practice. Assuming Bulluck is out, Clint Sintim is his likely replacement in formations designed to stop the run. It appears Brian Jackson, who previously was working at CB, might get some action as a backup safety if Phillips can't go.