PITTSBURGH – When a player comes up with a minor injury during training camp during the week leading up to a preseason game, the chances of that player appearing the game are slim and none. When that player is a veteran already assured of a spot on the team, “none’’ shoves “slim’’ out the door.

Such is the case with defensive end Justin Tuck. He missed few days of practice when his back stiffened up and although he stated he’s played through much worse discomfort, the Giants were not about to put him on the field in the first preseason game of the summer. And so, as expected, Tuck won’t play Saturday night when the Giants face the Steelers at Heinz Field.

Tuck said he doesn’t expect the back issue to linger and sees himself practicing when the Giants resume training camp on Monday.

Receiver Hakeem Nicks, slowed throughout camp with a strained groin, also will not play in the game.

Both Tuck and Nicks headed into camp excited about finally being healthy but both came up with ailments early in camp that cost them a chance to play in the first game.

Also out: CB Terrell Thomas (knee), OL Justin Pugh (concussion), OL James Brewer (concussion), WR Brandon Collins (hamstring), RG Chris Snee (hip), S Cooper Taylor (hamstring) and RB Ryan Torain (concussion). In addition, also not active are the three players still on PUP: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back), FB Henry Hynoski (knee) and DR Markus Kuhn (knee).

This is not a big deal for Tuck and Nicks but it is valuable time missed for several of the sidelined players. This certainly doesn’t help Torain’s shot at making the team as a reserve running back, not does it help Pugh’s chances of overtaking veteran David Diehl for the starting right tackle job.