The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... HC Tom Coughlin said at his press conference on Monday that Barden was “unlikely” play again this year after fracturing his ankle and suffering “a significant ligament injury.”

Diehards Line:Barden is a second year receiver the Giants were counting on to replace Steve Smith, who missed Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys because of a pectoral injury. Smith is expected to miss this week’s game against the Eagles as well. As PFT suggested, the decision to place preseason sensation Victor Cruz on injured reserve — which Cruz thought was premature — may come back to haunt the Giants.