Giants' Dexter Lawrence returns to practice, says he'll play in Monday's Week 13 matchup vs. Patriots

Charlie Bullen has been thrown into the deep end as the Giants' interim defensive coordinator, and it's unclear if a few key players will contribute to his gameplan for Monday's primetime matchup with the Patriots.

But the good news is one banged-up Pro Bowler anticipates suiting up. After interim head coach Mike Kafka announced defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence's return to practice Saturday, the seventh-year veteran provided his own status update.

"I'm playing. Don't worry about that," Lawrence told ESPN's Jordan Raanan inside the Giants' locker room.

Lawrence missed practice Thursday and Friday with an elbow issue reaggravatedin last week's loss to the Lions. But there wasn't any fear of him missing Monday's contest-- he told reporters the plan all week was to be ready to play.

Meanwhile, Kafka revealed Saturday edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is out for a third straight game due to a shoulder injury, and cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee) remains questionable after practicing in limited capacity Thursday and Friday.

The Giants, which rank bottom-three in the NFL in average points (27.8) and yards (385.0) allowed through 12 games this season, certainly have their work cut out for them at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots enter Monday with the league's best record (10-2) and an offense boasting 26.5 points and 359.9 yards per game.

Whether or not a shorthanded Giants defense can neutralize the Patriots' attack, they can find some solace in the welcomed return of their rookie quarterback. Jaxson Dart cleared concussion protocol Thursday and will start under center Monday after missing the last two games.