GIANT NOTES

As the losses mount, the injuries keep on coming. Yesterday the Giants put two more starters on season-ending injured reserve, as both defensive end Kenny Holmes and strong safety Shaun Williams have knee injuries that won’t heal any time soon.

Williams felt his knee lock late in last Sunday’s 28-10 loss in Philadelphia and he incurred damage to the tendon in his right knee. He may or may not need surgery. Holmes had his chronically ailing right knee flushed out last Saturday. Osi Umenyiora will start for Holmes and Johnnie Harris will start for Williams Monday night in Tampa.

As replacements on the roster, the Giants have re-signed defensive end Frank Ferrara and safety Clarence LeBlanc. After being waived by the Giants following training camp, Ferrara spent two weeks with the Eagles. Once again, the movie stuntman from Staten Island returns.

“It’s a great opportunity to go back and help turn it around,” Ferrara said last night. “Definitely provide a spark. I’m going to go out there like a total animal.”

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Monday night will be the first time since the two became starters and marquee players that twins Tiki and Ronde Barber will face each other on the field.

“A lot of what this game could have been is overshadowed, a lot of this hype is washed away for both of us,” said Tiki, alluding to the 4-6 records of both teams.

“I watch the Giants and want ’em to win because Tiki’s on the team,” added Ronde, Tampa Bay’s top cornerback, “but Tiki right now is number 21 in a blue jersey.”

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Fassel did not think the Bucs deactivating WR Keyshawn Johnson was a big deal as far as game preparation.

“They’re going to play Joe Jurevicius,” Fassel said. “I don’t see a lot of difference.”