EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Shaun Rogers might play for the New York Giants this season after all.

Rogers was spotted in uniform at the team's practice on Tuesday -- on the sideline -- and afterward coach Tom Coughlin confirmed that Rogers could suit up for the defending Super Bowl champs at some point in 2012.

"Well, there's a ray of hope, that's all," Coughlin said. "So we're just gonna hang in there as long as we can, see if they can determine where he is and how fast he would be able to play."

Rogers played in the Giants' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 10, but then developed a blood clot in his left calf. Coughlin said a week ago that Rogers was done for the season.

"Nothing changed," Coughlin said on Tuesday. "He went and had another opinion. (It was) a little more positive, would be the way to say it, which we're happy about."

Rogers is taking a different medicine following the second opinion -- one that doesn't necessarily prohibit him from playing football this year.

"That medication is supposedly something that can be dealt with after a certain amount of time," Coughlin said. "Whether it's five, six weeks, whatever, I'm not sure."

Rogers, 33, was signed by the Giants in April and could have begun the season as a starter, with fellow defensive tackle Chris Canty still on the physically unable to perform list following offseason knee surgery.

The Giants are also without fellow defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who continues to sit out with a back injury. Austin, the team's second-round draft pick in 2011, was also expected to see significant playing time this year.

As it stands, the Giants likely will go with third-year man Linval Joseph and 11-year veteran Rocky Bernard at the two defensive tackle positions.