WR/PR Preston ParkerFollowing Jerrel Jernigan's placement on injured reserve, Preston Parker will get the first shot at the No. 3 receiver job. Parker, who is also the primary punt returner, caught a short pass on third down last week and turned it into a 29-yard gain against the Cardinals. "Well, it gives you confidence," Parker said of the play. "Confidence is always a plus, especially as a player. You've just got to keep making good plays.">> WATCH: PRESTON PARKER TALKS ABOUT HIS OPPORTUNITY

LB Jameel McClainStarting middle linebacker Jon Beason (foot/ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game, which leaves Jameel McClain to anchor the group like he did during Beason's absence in training camp. We'll see exactly what his role is on Sunday, but McClain's versatility and leadership will be key in filling the temporary void left by Beason. "He certainly can handle a lot of roles, because he's been able to play in the middle, he's been able to play on the outside, he's been able to play in the nickel package, he plays on special teams," Coughlin said of McClain in his exclusive weekly interview on Giants.com. "So that's been very, thank goodness, that's been a very good thing for us, because he has contributed in a lot of ways and now he has to contribute even more.">> THE COUGHLIN CORNER: WHAT TO BUILD ON

TE Larry DonnellThrough the first two games of the season, Donnell has been the most productive target on the Giants' roster. The second-year tight end, who worked his way into a starting role this year, leads the Giants in targets (17), receptions (12), receiving yards (137), and first downs (10) in addition to a touchdown in the season opener.

CB Trumaine McBrideNickel cornerback Walter Thurmond III was lost for the season due to a pectoral injury he suffered in Week 2. That made McBride the next man up. The seventh-year veteran played 15 games with 10 starts last year in his first season with the Giants, recording two interceptions, 15 passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

OTs Will Beatty and Justin PughThe whole line is on notice when J.J. Watt comes to play because the Texans do a good job of moving him around to avoid double-teams and opponents scheming for him. But Beatty and Pugh will see the most of him on the outside. "It is interesting," offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said of planning for Watt. "Each of the games that we have played so far, there have been great players on the other side of the ball. Whether it was up in Detroit or last week. You obviously have to take that into consideration. You can minimize the impact on the game. Be smart the way you call things. Be smart the way you scheme things. You have to minimize their impact. He is a special player."