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The Giants and Patriots take part in an annual preseason game to close out the summer slate, a game in which both teams usually hold their key starters out.

This week, however, is a regular-season game, which means it's all hands on deck. Unfortunately for the Giants,s they're going to be missing five key players on both sides of the ball, four of whom are starters.

Running backs Saquon Barkley (ankle) and Wayne Gallman (concussion0 were both declared out Wednesday due to their respective injuries. That means the dup of Eli Penny, the team's fullback, and Jon Hilliman, the rookie undrafted free agent who was added to the 53-man roster a couple of weeks ago, will be the Giants' 1-2 punch at running back.

Tight end Evan Engram (knee) and receiver Sterling Shepard (concussion) were also declared out Wednesday. Engram, the team leader in receptions (33), receiving yards (373) and receiving touchdowns (2)  reportedly has a sprained MCL, but his injury isn't believed to be one that will keep him out of action beyond this week. 

Garrett Dickerson will likely see an increase in his snaps for when the Giants deploy two tight ends. And look for Darius Slayton and Golden Tate to see an increase in targets in the passing game, especially with Shepard, who per a source ill probably miss multiple weeks, sidelined. 

On defense, edge Lorenzo Carter, listed as questionable with a neck injury, returns after missing last week's game.  

However, inside linebacker Tae Davis, who last week was inactive due to a concussion and who was cleared from the protocol this week, is a healthy scratch. 

The Giants' remaining inactive players are offensive linemen Chad Slade and Eric Smith, both of whom have yet to be active for the Giants this season.

Patriots Inactives

New England will be without receiver Phillip Dorsett and running back Rex Burkett tonight. 

Burkett has 112 rushing yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. Dorsett leads the Patriots with three receiving touchdowns and has 197 receiving yards on 15 carries.

Here is the full list of the Patriots inactive players.