Usually the slightest news coming out of the NFL is lapped up like water in the desert, so parched for information are fans who can’t get enough of their football. Tuesday’s announcement of the NFL preseason schedule brings about far different feelings, though, as the sad state of affairs with the NFL lockout puts in doubt when or if games will be played.

For now, this what the Giants have to offer: They open up their preseason at Carolina against the Panthers on the first preseason weekend (Aug. 11-15), which will be the debut for Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.

In the one exact date that’s set, the Giants will face the Bears on Aug. 22 in a “Monday Night Football” game at New Meadowlands Stadium.

In the third week of the preseason, the Giants will face the Jets for the 43rd consecutive summer. The Giants will be the home team.

The Giants close the preseason in New England at a date to be determined.

The regular-season schedule will be announced later this month. All of this is extremely tentative, with the lockout firmly in place, the NFL Players Association currently a decertified “trade association,’’ and no sign of an agreement anytime soon.

The Giants play the Jets and Patriots in the regular season.