Webb to get extra playing time

Giants quarterback Davis Webb will likely see his most playing time of the preseason in Thursday night’s game against the Patriots. Then, if all goes according to plan, the backup quarterback won’t see the field again the rest of the season.

In his final opportunity to showcase how the Giants would handle the ever-durable Eli Manning finally breaking down at age 37, Webb said he expects to show management — which didn’t draft him — that he can be trusted.

“I think I’ve taken a lot of steps each and every week. ... Now, it’s the fourth game, and I should play my best so far,” Webb said after Tuesday’s practice. “I know I’m gonna get a chance to play, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Coach Pat Shu rm ur wouldn’ t reveal who would start in the preseason finale, but Webb should have significant opportunity to erase any unease produced by his inconsistent showings. Through the f irst three preseason games, Webb has completed 28-of-53 passes (52.8 percent) for 283 yards and one touchdown.

Unlike last season, when Webb played behind Geno Smith, the second-year quarterback is now only one play away from being needed.

“You never know,” Webb said. “Just work hard, and keep a level head, and try to be as consistent as you can be, and try to be ready whenever your number is called.

“I approached every game last year like I was gonna play. I’m sure it’ll be the same this year.” O dell Beck ham Jr. hasn’ t played a preseason snap. Rookie Saquon Barkley hasn’t appeared since the preseason opener. In the preseason finale, several projected starters won’t see any action.

So, with l ess than two weeks before the Giants open the regular season against the Jaguars, has Shurmur seen enough to know if his team is ready to bounce back from last season’s disastrous 3-13 campaign?

“Well, we’re going to find that out,” Shurmur said. “I feel like we’ve done a lot of good things. I think we’re on the right path. We’ve certainly got a lot of work to do between now and first week and then teams improve as the season goes along.

“It’s really a journey for a team to try to get enough wins to be in the playoffs and as you go through it, you hope as a team you stay healthy and then continue to improve.”

Shurmur sa i d there was no update on Olivier Vernon (ankle), who remains day-to-day. ... Con

nor Barwin practiced for the second straight day, having previously been out since injuring his knee in the first preseason game against the Browns.