The Giants' injury report is finally dwindling, as players return to the field and the team continues to get healthier at the right time. There were just five names on today's injury report and two – RB Da'Rel Scott (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) – practiced fully.

But two others are still battling injuries that could keep them on the sideline Sunday against the Falcons.

TE Jake Ballard was limited in today’s practice and said tomorrow’s session will be the major test for him and his chances of playing on Sunday. Tomorrow he’ll get more reps and a chance to run and cut to test his partially torn PCL.

“It’s all about running,” Ballard said. “I can block -- it’s all about whether I can run routes and be effective doing that or not.”

Since Ballard sustained the injury the Giants have turned to a combination of Bear Pascoe and Travis Beckum. Pascoe had four catches for 40 yards since Ballard sustained the injury against Washington in Week 15.

Ballard said it was difficult watching the team the last two weeks and not being able to play in such important games, but his outlook is a lot more optimistic this week.

“From last to this week, I definitely feel a lot more confident in my knee,” Ballard said. “I’ll be taking a lot more reps tomorrow and I’ll have more of an idea of what’s going to happen.”

LB Mark Herzlich’s chances of suiting up Sunday are also higher than last week, but it remains a long shot. Herzlich has been out since suffering an ankle injury against the Saints on Nov. 28 and said the ankle still isn’t pain-free.

He said he went to the hospital yesterday and imaging showed that “the healing is coming along.” Today, he made it out to the practice field today, participating in the jog through and stretching before he worked with the training staff on the side.

It’s not much, but it’s improvement.

“I got out there and did a little bit at least, so it’s progress,” the rookie linebacker said.

As expected, RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) was held out and won’t likely practice until Friday.

Jorge Castillo: jcastillo@starledger.com