EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Giants began preparing in earnest for their critical Week 15 matchup against the Falcons with six starters on the sidelines, including four on the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (back), linebacker Michael Boley (back), cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring) and safety Kenny Phillips (knee) sat out practice, as did running back Ahmad Bradshaw (knee/foot) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee). (Reserve safety Tyler Sash also did not practice, because of a hamstring injury.)

Coach Tom Coughlin announced that Bradshaw is suffering from a sprained knee, and his status for Sunday's game is unknown. "I'm not going to speculate -- because of the toughness of this young man -- on how long it would be," Coughlin said.

Coughlin also commented on Amukamara's injury, calling it "tricky." And he said he expects Nicks to practice later this week, "but we're probably going to have to slow down a little bit, not do much, with him."

Here's the full injury report from Wednesday:

GIANTS

Out

None

Did Not Participate In Practice

CB Prince Amukamara (hamstring)
LB Michael Boley (back)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee/foot)
WR Hakeem Nicks (knee)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back)
S Kenny Phillips (knee)
S Tyler Sash (hamstring)

Limited Participation In Practice

None

Full Participation In Practice

C David Baas (shoulder)
TE Travis Beckum (knee)

FALCONS

Out

None

Did Not Participate In Practice

DT Jonathan Babineaux (ribs)
S William Moore (hamstring)
WR Roddy White (knee)

Limited Participation In Practice

T Sam Baker (hand)
G Justin Blalock (elbow)
WR Harry Douglas (ribs)
CB Asante Samuel (shoulder)

Full Participation In Practice

None