EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The good news for the New York Giants on Friday was that left tackle Ereck Flowers (hip) and center Weston Richburg (knee) were both back at practice after missing several days in a row due to their injuries. But take that with a grain of salt, as the Giants' practice Friday was a step above a day off. There were no pads, no running, no hitting and the whole thing lasted less than an hour. It was a teaching-oriented walk-through and part of this training camp's plan to incorporate rest as needed.

"I hope none of you drove very far for this one," coach Tom Coughlin told the media afterward. "We had two hard days in a row and we'll have a hard day [Saturday], so this was a mental day, a learning day, rather than anything physical. The new, changed, scientific approach."

Coughlin did say he thought Flowers and Richburg would be able to participate in Saturday's practice to some degree, though they wouldn't have a "full green light, they'll be restricted."

Cornerback Prince Amukamara even joined the walk-through, though he's not likely to practice Saturday. He has a groin strain and estimated earlier in the day that he'd be fine "in about a week." Amukamara strained his groin last year in a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts and missed about that much time. He said this one is on the other side and not as serious. Still, don't expect him to play in next Friday's preseason opener in Cincinnati.

Guard Geoff Schwartz skipped the walk-through due to his continued foot problems. Safety Nat Berhe (calf) and linebacker Jameel McClain (neck) also did not practice, and McClain's injury is one that's expected to sideline him for a while. The Giants are being extra cautious with him because he had a spinal cord injury in 2012.