Giants' Steve Smith expects to play Sunday

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Rookie wide receiver Steve Smith not only practiced yesterday, but said he expects to see some action for the first time since Week 2 in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins in London.

But he said he probably won't be the team's No. 3 receiver, both because of what Sinorice Moss has done and his fractured shoulder blade's gradual, but still incomplete, return to health.

"I think me and him would have to rotate there, at least for now," Smith said. "Sinorice is doing a good job and I'm a rookie, so I don't think I'd get back there right away."

Smith was anticipating to see some action. He has had some mild soreness during practice, and anticipated that his first collision would indicate whether he was truly prepared to return.

"Nothing really worries me," Smith said. "Just falling down on it.

"But if they say 'Go,' I'm ready to go. I get the idea I'm playing because the coaches tell me little things on the side every day. I know they won't throw me out on any crazy plays that I'll get hurt on."

While Smith anticipated his return, running Derrick Ward and safety James Butler continued to sit out practice. Ward, with a sprained left ankle, and Butler, with a strained hamstring and sprained right ankle, probably won't make it Sunday. Ahmad Bradshaw and Michael Johnson took all of Ward's and Butler's respective snaps at practice.

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