When safety Kenny Phillips said he was encouraged that the injury he suffered last week to his left knee was not serious there was hope he might not have to miss a game. That hope was not based in reality and he did not travel Saturday with the Giants on their flight to Dallas.

Phillips will not play in Sunday night’s showdown with the Cowboys,a and the the Giants will be without a key starter in their secondary.

It is expected that veteran Deon Grant will replace Phillips in the starting lineup. It is also expected that rookie Tyler Sash will receive extensive playing time in coverage situations.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com