Trent Dilfer, Matt Hasselbeck and Randy Moss detail how the Giants' defense is getting the job done when it matters and how Odell Beckham Jr. has taken off since he started playing in the slot. (1:45)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Running back Shane Vereen is closer to a return. He practiced Wednesday for the first time since September. Starting left guard Justin Pugh isn’t far off. He also returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity. Offensive linemen Marshall Newhouse and Brett Jones are close as well.

Things are looking up for the New York Giants as they enter a difficult five-game stretch to close out the regular season. There are some prominent players who may not be returning this week when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, but the reinforcements are coming.

Here is a look at the Giants’ injury list:

G Justin Pugh (knee) -- He returned to practice after a slight setback last week with the sprained MCL in his right knee that originally was hurt Nov. 6 against the Eagles. Pugh participated in individual drills only Wednesday. He’s unlikely to return this week against the Steelers. Next week against the Dallas Cowboys appears to be a more likely scenario.

Pugh said it was a “lesson learned” after possibly pushing too hard to return last week. He’s going to keep stacking good days on top of each other now, with the goal being to contribute down the stretch.

OL Marshall Newhouse (knee) -- He has a sprained MCL in his left knee and returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Newhouse thinks he could play if necessary but needs to be cautious to make sure his injury doesn’t become a long-term problem. He and Pugh are in similar boats.

OL Brett Jones (calf) -- He returned to practice in a limited capacity after missing two weeks. Jones is feeling better but still has to get through a full week of practice. Adam Gettis has a chance to make his second career start in Pittsburgh.

DE Owa Odighizuwa (knee) -- He was in uniform Wednesday, warmed up with his teammates but didn't practice. Odighizuwa injured his knee Sunday in Cleveland and returned to the game.

WR Dwayne Harris (wrist) -- He’s been struggling with a laundry list of injuries in recent weeks and was a limited participant in practice. But Harris said no new injuries occurred this past week and he was feeling fine. He expects to play Sunday against the Steelers.

LB Mark Herzlich (concussion) -- He did not practice Wednesday and remains in the concussion protocol. This is at least the second concussion for Herzlich in three seasons.

S Nat Berhe (concussion) -- He did not practice Wednesday and remains in the concussion protocol. This is Berhe’s second concussion this season. He missed four games earlier in the season.

RB Shane Vereen (triceps) -- He returned to practice for the first time since Week 3, when he tore his triceps in a loss to the Washington Redskins. Vereen said he’s in good shape but has to prove a lot, including that there is enough strength in his left arm to hold up for four quarters of an NFL game.

It seems highly unlikely Vereen returns this week against the Steelers. The hope appears to be that he’s ready for the following week’s key divisional matchup with the Cowboys.

The Giants officially made Vereen their player designated for return from the injured reserve list. They have 21 days to activate him.