It’s still extremely doubtful that defensive tackle Chris Canty will be able to play this week against the Cardinals — he has not been cleared to practice tomorrow — but he reported “significant progress” in his recovery from the calf injury that has kept him on the sideline.

Canty has played in only one game this season, missing the opener with a strained hamstring and the past three games with the calf injury.

Last week, Canty underwent a procedure to stop the bleeding in his calf, and that appears to have quickened the healing process.

“The swelling has gone down significantly, so we’re excited about it,” Canty said. “Clearly the treatment process was going along, but we’re trying to everything we can to speed up the recovery. This is the best the calf has felt since I injured it.”

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The news isn’t promising for right tackle Kareem McKenzie, who was forced out in the second quarter against the Saints with a groin injury. Coach Tom Coughlin said he had not received word that McKenzie suffered a torn groin muscle, but there’s no denying McKenzie is hurting.

“There wasn’t as much bleeding as there could have been,” Coughlin said.

It appears McKenzie won’t be available this week and could miss more than one game. Rookie Will Beatty would make his first NFL start Sunday against the Cardinals.

CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) wanted to try to run but was held back.

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Antonio Pierce last week said the Giants’ 44-7 rout of the Raiders on Oct. 11 felt like “a scrimmage.” The Raiders heard that comment, weren’t amused and didn’t mind seeing the Saints beat up on the Giants.

“I could care less about Pierce,” Oakland defensive end Richard Seymour said. “They got what they deserved anyway.”

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Eli Manning said the plantar fasciitis in his right foot is no longer an issue.

“I had to scramble where I was running around and it feels good, so I think it’s in good shape,” he said.

WR Mario Manningham got hit in the back and ribs and was in some discomfort, but said he’ll be fine. “I’m a fighter, I’m going to be all right,” he said.

C Shaun O’Hara didn’t need to watch a replay of his holding penalty in the fourth quarter to confirm his contention that umpire Chad Brown erred.

“It was a terrible call,” O’Hara said. “He knows it. It’s a shame a call like that happens because all we get is a piece of paper that says, ‘Bad call.’ It’s a shame, we’re out there fighting hard, trying to win a football game. You want to know you’re only playing against the other team and not anyone else.”