Osi Umenyiora worked with the first unit Monday during his return to practice with the New York Giants. The defensive end has, of course, not practiced due to a contract squabble and a supposedly sore knee.
Head coach Tom Coughlin said that both Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul, who has been playing right defensive end in Umenyiora's absence and was dominant Saturday against Carolina with two sacks and several pressures, are both considered starters.
Coughlin said that Pierre-Paul, the second-year player from South Florida, will spend time at both defensive end spots.
Coughlin said Umenyiora could play next Monday against the Chicago Bears in the team's second preseason game.
"If he is ready to play, then he will play a few snaps," Coughlin said.
Umenyiora, of course, has been seeking a new contract that would put him in line with the highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. He has two years remaining on a six-year deal, and will earn $7.1 million over those two seasons.