ESPN New York considers DT Marvin Austin on the roster bubble. The No. 52 overall pick in 2011, Austin has struggled with injuries and effectiveness in his first two seasons -- appearing in just eight games. He's behind Shaun Rogers and second-round pick Jonathan Hankins for backup defensive tackle snaps. Austin and Mike Patterson are competing for one spot.

The New York Daily News reports Giants third-year DT Marvin Austin's roster spot is in jeopardy. Austin, the No. 52 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has been working with the third-team defense in training camp, and he's battled injuries for much of his young career. He missed his entire rookie season with a torn pectoral before a back injury limited him to eight games last season. The Giants are loaded at defensive tackle, and Austin would draw some interest if he were to get cut.

ESPN New York expects Giants DT Marvin Austin to keep his roster spot. The 2011 second-rounder played just 103 snaps last season after missing his entire rookie year with a torn pectoral, but it's hard to envision GM Jerry Reese pulling the plug after only two years. Thanks to a variety of issues, Austin has played mind-bogglingly little football since 2009, and desperately needs a healthy training camp and preseason. He missed most of last summer's exhibition season with a back issue.

Giants DT Marvin Austin (back) participated in Monday's practice, and still anticipates making his NFL debut Sunday. "That's exactly my train of thought," Austin said Monday. "I feel good out there and I just got to go to the training room and try my best to do everything I possibly can in my power to control what I can control and do what I can do to get back out there." Thanks to injury and suspension, Austin hasn't played a non-exhibition football snap since December 26, 2009. He'll be eased in.

Giants DT Marvin Austin (back) is getting "stronger," and could be ready to return by Week 2. The injury-prone second-year pro has moved beyond his "little setback." With zero regular-season reps - college or pro - since December 2009, Austin will be eased in whenever he's finally ready to take the field.

Giants DT Marvin Austin (back) "had a little setback," and it's "not clear when he can go." The injury-prone second-year pro now almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the regular season. The "little setback" figures to intensify the Giants' search for veteran line help. Whenever Austin finally takes the field, it will be his first live non-preseason action since December 26, 2009, when he was still at North Carolina.

Giants DT Marvin Austin (back) "seems to be getting better." The word comes from coach Tom Coughlin, who hinted the only reason Austin has yet to resume practicing is concern about "the type of medication he's on and whether he can practice under that circumstance." With Shaun Rogers done for the year and Chris Canty (knee) questionable for Week 1, the Giants need Austin back as soon as possible.

The testing on Giants DT Marvin Austin's back revealed no serious issues. Austin expects to be fine after resting his back. "I don't think it is going to be something that lags on," Austin said. With Shaun Rogers out for the season and Chris Canty's (knee) Week 1 status in doubt, Austin's availability is essential.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Giants DT Marvin Austin's back "locked up on him" Monday, and the hope is that it's "a minor muscular injury and not a spinal condition." The 2011 second-rounder is awaiting test results. Austin, of course, missed his entire rookie year with a torn pectoral, and was kicked off the team before his senior season at North Carolina. Aside from a handful of preseason snaps, Austin hasn't played a down of live football since December 26, 2009.

Giants DT Marvin Austin is being examined for a "back issue." Austin suited up for last week's preseason debut, so it's apparently a new injury. It sounds like he could be forced to undergo surgery, which would be a huge blow for a player who missed his entire rookie season with a torn left pectoral.