Kevin Curtis waited and waited and waited. Finally, his activity sheet in the trainer's room said "practice as tolerated."

Curtis has done that the last two days and says he feels good.

"It feels good to be out there running around," said Curtis, who has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury which required surgery. "I have some work to do. It's been awhile. I have to get in football shape."

Curtis' limited work with the scout team this week should help give both the receiver and the team's trainers and medical staff an indication of how far along he is in terms of his running and cutting on the field.

"After an injury like that, there's a lot of strength you have to build back up and you fatigue quickly. You haven't been doing that kind of running," Curtis said. "I'm just trying to take it a day at a time and try to make progress.

"I want to get back on the field. I'm no good if I can't go out there and do what it is I'm supposed to do. It's important that I follow up on what the trainers have outlined and eventually I'll be back."

Certainly, by not placing Curtis on season-ending injured reserve, there is a firm belief among the coaches and trainers that the receiver can still contribute this season. Curtis caught 5 passes for 70 yards over the first two weeks of the season. Two seasons ago, he led the team in receiving with 1,110 yards on 77 receptions.

Speaking of receivers, as expected, rookie Jeremy Maclin sat out practice for a second straight day with his foot injury. However, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg expects to have Maclin at full-strength Sunday night.

"Oh yeah, I think he'll be fast," Mornhinweg said.

Running back Brian Westbrook took limited work once again and Mornhinweg even left open the possibility of Westbrook playing against New York.

"Brian has a chance I think to be there," Mornhinweg said.

Meanwhile, linebackers Joe Mays (illness) and Tracy White (shoulder) were full-go in Thursday's practice after missing Wednesday's workout. Defensive tackle Trevor Laws (hip) practiced fully but was added to the report. The rest of the team's injury report was unchanged.

For the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles/foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice, while starting safety Michael Johnson (groin) and right guard Chris Snee (knee) were limited. View the complete injury report.
*
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 5:44 p.m., December 10*