The New York Giants sat many of their starters for a portion of last year's regular-season finale at the Metrodome because they had clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

This year the Giants will arrive at the Metrodome with no hope of a playoff berth and with several regulars set to rest. Only this time it will be because of injuries.

Running back Brandon Jacobs will miss the game because he is going to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee next week, according to the New York Daily News.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said that running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles/foot) isn't healthy enough to carry the workload, the Daily News reports. That likely will mean plenty of work for Gartrell Johnson, who has only 13 carries for 43 yards with no touchdowns. Right tackle Kareem McKenzie (knee) also did not practice Wednesday.

The Giants run game not being at full strength might be good news for the Vikings because it's not a given that nose tackle Pat Williams (elbow) will be ready to play in this game. Williams missed last Monday's game at Chicago and could sit out again in order to make sure he's ready for the playoffs.

On defense, the Giants reportedly placed cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) on injured reserve on Thursday morning. Defensive tackle Chris Canty (sprained right MCL) and cornerback Corey Webster (knee) also did not practice on Wednesday.