McAdoo: Manning to see some action against Bills

Giants coach Ben McAdoo said Wednesday he plans to play Eli Manning Saturday in Buffalo. “Absolutely,’’ McAdoo said. Why? “Anticipation and instincts,” he said. “It’s a big part of the game, [and] it’s hard to train it in practice. You do the best you can by creating situations, but there’s nothing like the games to get those reps.”

Kelvin Sheppard, who appears to be in line to start at middle linebacker, said the Giants’ linebacking corps could be an elite group.

“[We can be] one of the best in the league, if not the best,” Sheppard said. “From the starters to the depth that we have, I say that.

“You don’t see this depth. We have right now seven guys that I believe have started real NFL football games, and I believe we can be one of the better corps.”

Though McAdoo didn’t quite go that far, he did praise the linebacking unit.

“They’re bringing a lot of energy to the game right now,’’ McAdoo said. “There’s a lot of competition at the linebacker position.”

Jasper Brinkley started the preseason opener, and Keenan Robinson and rookie B.J. Goodson also have shown flashes of strong play. But Sheppard’s versatility — proving his ability in base defenses as well as coverage in the nickel — could suit him well.

When DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison was asked what incited his little dust-up with LG Justin Pugh in Monday’s practice, he blamed it on the weather.

“It was the heat, man,” he said. “It was hot! It wasn’t anything though. It goes in-between the whistles on every play.”

As for Pugh, he missed practice with a bruised left shoulder, with backup OT/OG Bobby Hart sliding over and taking the first-team reps.

“He wasn’t out at practice … so it’s serious if he’s not practicing,” said McAdoo, who said the injury came “pulling the trap.”

When reporters inquired about his health, Pugh said, “I’m good.”

The Giants signed DB Joe Powell, who could replace injured non-drafted rookie Matt Smalley.