Ramses Barden has his first career catch, an eight yard reception, in Sunday's win over Houston.

Barden had just one target, and is clearly a long-term project for the team. It looks like he's surpassed Victory Cruz as the team's No. 4 wide receiver, but is not an option outside of deep dynasty formats.

Giants declared WR Ramses Barden, LB Phillip Dillard, CB Bruce Johnson, LB Keith Bulluck, C Shaun O'Hara, OT William Beatty, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, and DT Rocky Bernard inactive for Sunday Night Football.

Barden has yet to play a down this season and is healthy, meaning he's buried on the depth chart after being beaten out by undrafted rookie Victor Cruz in training camp. Osi Umenyiora (knee) is active, but won't be 100 percent. Jason Pierre-Paul and Dave Tollefson will play more in Kiwanuka's absence. Adam Koets starts at center, Clint Sintim at strong-side 'backer.

Ramses Barden (back) may not be able to play in Thursday's preseason finale.

Although Barden has returned to practice, he is clearly not 100 percent. "Every time I looked at WR Ramses Barden during practice Tuesday, he was flexing his back or walking more like an old man than a second-year NFL player," wrote beat writer Mike Garafolo Tuesday. Victor Cruz should win out as the Giants' No. 4 receiver easily.

Giants WR Ramses Barden (back) returned to the practice field Monday.

Barden's injury only wound up costing him about a week, but he's likely lost any chance of emerging as New York's third receiver early in the season. Look for Mario Manningham to keep the role. Barden and impressive undrafted rookie Victor Cruz are in direct competition to be the No. 4 wideout.

Giants WR Ramses Barden will not need surgery to repair the stress fracture in his lower back.

Coach Tom Coughlin says Barden's return date will depend on his ability to tolerate pain, which indicates the injury may not subside soon. Though Coughlin suggested Barden could resume practicing as soon as next week, this won't help his chances of beating out Mario Manningham or Victor Cruz.

Giants WR Ramses Barden has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the transverse process in his lower back.

The Giants are considering his status as "week to week." Linebacker Jonathan Goff had a similar injury back in 2008 and missed a month. It's better to have the injury in the lower back, but it's still a major setback for Barden. Victor Cruz has an even better chance to open the season as the No. 4 receiver.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin revealed Sunday that Ramses Barden's back injury may involve structural damage.

Coughlin was actually discussing both Barden and S Michael Johnson's back problems, hinting that both or at least one of them has some structural damage. Either way, it doesn't sound like Barden will resume playing anytime soon.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin revealed Thursday that WR Ramses Barden could be out "a while" with a bad back.

Barden's had back problems since entering the league (which doesn't make him any less similar to Plaxico Burress), and it sounds like his latest problem could be a week-to-week thing. This will hurt Barden's already poor chances of beating out Mario Manningham for the Giants' third receiver job.

"Everyone in camp loves Ramses Barden's potential," according to SI.com's Peter King.

As do we, but potential doesn't put fantasy trophies on the mantle. Barden won't have more than a situational red-zone role on this team, and even that is a stretch. King recommends fantasy leaguers using a late-round pick on Barden. As is always the case, we ignore all fantasy advice from King. It's better that way. Just trust us.

Ramses Barden was being evaluated for "lower back issues" on Tuesday.

This is the first we've heard of back issues for Barden, who started Monday's preseason opener ahead of Mario Manningham. A training camp darling the past two years, Barden will be in a rush to get back on the field. The 6-foot-6 leaper sees an opportunity to snatch the No. 3 receiver gig.

Giants WR Ramses Barden started Monday's exhibition opener over Mario Manningham, and finished with two catches for 12 yards.

Unfortunately, Barden also dropped Eli Manning's first pass of the game to force a three-and-out. It was an ugly miscue on a quick slant that likely would've gotten a first down. Still, Barden's placement with the first team indicates he may have overtaken Manningham for the No. 3 receiver job.

Giants second-year Ramses Barden is expected to start Monday night's preseason game against the Jets.

Steve Smith (groin) will be inactive and Mario Manningham (groin) is not expected to play, so Barden figures to start opposite Hakeem Nicks. It's a big opportunity for Barden, who could potentially push Manningham for snaps in three-wideout sets. Starters Nicks and Smith, though, aren't going anywhere.

Giants WR Ramses Barden is more comfortable in his second season, and is being challenged by head coach Tom Coughlin to replace the production of injured Domenik Hixon.

The 6'6" Barden bears a physical skill set not unlike former WR Plaxico Burress, and spent some time during OTAs lining up in the slot. Coming off a one-catch rookie season, Barden still has more prove on the field before he climbs the Giants' depth chart.

Giants second-year WR Ramses Barden has "drawn nothing but praise" from Giants coaches for how far he's come during the offseason program.

At 6'6 with good hands and leaping ability, Barden is a tantalizing talent. But coming out of Cal Poly, he was extremely raw as a rookie and was inactive for most of the season. He likely needs more than just two offseasons for the light to come on.