GIANTS NOTES

Once again in desperate need of reinforcements along the defensive line, the Giants yesterday scanned the open market and signed Regan Upshaw, a nine-year veteran who has played for four NFL teams, including the Jaguars under Tom Coughlin in 1999.

Upshaw replaces Chuck Wiley on the roster. Wiley, signed Nov. 10 after a rash of injuries, went down for the season last Sunday against the Eagles with a torn knee ligaments.

The 6-4, 265-pound Upshaw was once a hot prospect, drafted in the first round in 1996 by the Buccaneers. He spent last season with the Redskins. A defensive end, Upshaw has 34.5 career sacks and has started 77 of the 107 regular season games in which he’s played.

In other roster moves, the Giants also moved defensive tackle Davern Williams onto the roster from their practice squad. The team put Wiley on injured reserve and waived offensive lineman Marques Sullivan.

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Tight end Mark Anelli was released from the practice squad and two players, defensive tackle Ahmad Childress and wide receiver Michael Jennings, were signed to the practice squad.

The Giants defensive line has been battered, losing starting ends Michael Strahan and Keith Washington for the season prior to signing and losing Wiley. In addition, starting tackle Norman Hand has a strained groin and will likely not play this Sunday against the Redskins at FedEx Field.