EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Tom Coughlin this morning delivered mixed news on his two injured offensive linemen: center Weston Richburg will practice, but guard Justin Pugh will not.

Richburg, who sprained his ankle in the Giants' most recent game, Nov. 15 vs. New England, will work on a limited basis as the team begins its preparation for Sunday's game in Washington.

"He's going to be limited and we'll see," Coughlin said. "We expect to hope to have him take a limited number of snaps, but take some snaps and we'll see."

Pugh did not play vs. the Patriots and is in the NFL's concussion protocol. Asked if Pugh has improved, Coughlin said, "I think very little."

Tight end Larry Donnell, who missed the two games prior to the bye with a neck injury, and linebacker Mark Herzlich (quad) are the only other Giants who will not practice today.

Several others will join Richburg on the "limited" list: cornerback Prince Amukamara (who missed the last five games with a partially torn pectoral muscle), linebackers J.T. Thomas (ankle) and Uani 'Unga (neck), guard Geoff Schwartz (neck), defensive end Damontre Moore (hamstring) and cornerback Leon McFadden (groin).

•  Coughlin said he doesn't know if wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, re-signed last week, can be counted on to make an immediate contribution.

"We're going to have to find that out; that's what this week's practice is all about," Coughlin said. "We'll have him on scout team doing a lot of things so that we can see how he plays in that regard. And then we'll have to judge how fast he comes along with learning - the experience, etc., will help him but nevertheless, it's a different offense."

•  The Giants have a one-game lead in the NFC East over Philadelphia and Washington. The players understand how important the game on Sunday is, but Coughlin leaves nothing to chance.

"I tell them and they understand it," he said. "We try to make everything absolutely clear, absolutely understandable, the circumstances, as we go along. The six-game season, one game at a time, this is the most important game of the year right here, in the division."