Tom Coughlin indicates game-time decision on CB Aaron Ross

Cornerback Aaron Ross (right foot) took part in drills today but was a limited participant in practice. Tight-lipped Giants coach Tom Coughlin described his situation as the subject of "daily" evaluation and wasn't ready to commit when asked if Ross might start against Carolina in the opener on Sunday.

"I'm not going to say that yet," Coughlin said. "We'll give him every opportunity."

The injury report listed rookie LB Phillip Dillard as out, Ross as doubtful, LB Gerris Wilkerson as questionable and everyone else as probable.

The coach said Ross' ability to tolerate the pain of playing with plantar faciitis would be a key factor. "I would say there is a threshold of pain tolerance, and there's probably always a risk of doing something else to it," Coughlin said. "He did have a reaction to something like that, and it happens."

Coughlin and Ross agreed cause of the injury was difficult to pinpoint. Ross said he had problems with a tape job on his foot during the second quarter of the second exhibition game against Pittsburgh. He cut off the tape because it felt too tight, and Ross said, "That's when I realized my heel was a little painful. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the tape job. It was probably the way I planted or something like that. I just didn't feel it until I took the shoe off."

Ross said he's seen marked improvement this week as he took part in 50 percent of practice on Wednesday, 75 percent on Thursday and the whole practice today. "I still have two more days, so, don't count me out," Ross said. "I feel really good. I went through everything today. It's note sore…I missed all of last year, so, I'm really anxious to play as long as it doesn't hurt the team."

On other topics, Coughlin said new backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels came in after the trade a week ago and put in a good week of study. If called upon, Rosenfels has a package of plays he can execute.

Coughlin also said he expects the wind in New Meadowlands Stadium to be a major factor. "I just believe it will be a swirling wind just like we've had in the past," Coughlin said.

Asked about the fit of pique displayed by running back Brandon Jacobs when questioned about backing up new starter Ahmad Bradshaw, Coughlin downplayed it. "He knows deep down inside that you can't do it without two [running backs] or maybe more," Coughlin said. "You need a lot of people to play this game at this level at that position. He is aware of that."

In other words, Jacobs will get all the opportunity he needs to make a case for himself to carry the load on the field.