EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- So where do they go from here?

The New York Giants came into the 2012 season thinking they were pretty stacked at cornerback. But if Prince Amukamara doesn't recover from a mild high-ankle sprain in time for the team's regular-season opener against the Cowboys on Sept. 5, who starts opposite Corey Webster?

"I'm glad it is only an ankle sprain," defensive captain Justin Tuck said. "You get carted off, you start thinking the worst. (Prince) was playing well and making strides. I hope this doesn't set him back too much. He is definitely going to be a part of our success on defense, being that second corner opposite Corey. We are going to need him to get back in a hurry. Hopefully it isn't something that keeps him out for weeks."

Rookie third-round pick Jayron Hosley had a 77-yard pick-six against the Jets, but did not play in Friday night's 20-17 preseason loss to the Bears due to turf toe.

Reserve Bruce Johnson struggled in place of Amukamara. Johnson appeared to draw the ire of safety Kenny Phillips after apparently botching his zone coverage against Brandon Marshall, who caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler late in the first quarter.

"You gotta be ready at all times," Johnson said. "With me, I didn't think I played all that great. Just technical things, like on that first play I should've put my hands out a bit more. But like I said, I just gotta work on it.

"I'm just out here trying to compete and just get better and do whatever I can do to help this team. Whatever they see fit for me, I'll do whatever I can do."

Michael Coe and Justin Tryon are other candidates who could start if Amukamara does have to miss time.

"Michael Coe seemed to go in and play pretty well," coach Tom Coughlin said. "I didn't think they went after him. Can't really say much about the other guys."

Said Tuck, "I am confident in all of our guys. We got a lot of athletes back there and some of our safeties can drop down and play the nickel and things like that. Obviously Trel (Antrel Rolle) has done it and Will Hill is stepping up and doing it and we will get Hosley back. I think we will be fine there."