Rashad Jennings

Injured Giants running back Rashad Jennings looks likely to return this week.

(Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD ‐ The Giants needed running back Rashad Jennings to return from a knee injury even before they lost two running backs on Sunday in Seattle. Now they desperately need him back for this week's game against the San Francisco 49ers in order to field a team.

Fortunately, the Giants believe it will finally happen. Jennings has missed the past five games with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

"I think he will [return]," coach Tom Coughlin said. "I'm hoping that he will. He did have a good week of practice last week for what we asked him to do. He had a weekend to continue to rehab and strengthen, so he has worked hard at that. I am going to say that we certainly do expect that he will be ready at the end of this week, but who knows?

"I can't tell you 100 percent, but I think he will, and if he is ready, then obviously he will have a big share of the load."

The Giants have really missed Jennings' presence in the lineup. Rookie Andre Williams has averaged 2.75 yards per carry in his four starts, all losses. Jennings averaged 4.3 yards per carry in the first five games before having his knee twisted in a pile against the Atlanta Falcons.

Jennings, 29, was a limited participant in practice last week for the Giants, but did not travel with the team to Seattle. Against the Seahawks, running backs Peyton Hillis (concussion) and Michael Cox (fractured leg) left with injuries, leaving the Giants with only one healthy back.

The Giants are expected to place Cox on season-ending injured reserve on Tuesday.