"Michael Boley might not be a household name, but the veteran middle linebacker's importance to the Giants can't be overstated — especially this weekend.

Boley appears likely to return tomorrow after missing the past two-plus games with a hamstring injury he suffered in the first half of the Giants' loss to the 49ers in Week 10. And his anticipated comeback won't happen a moment too soon with Big Blue girding itself for the unbeaten Packers and Aaron Rodgers' Flying Circus.

As well as essentially serving as the quarterback of the defense by wearing the signal headset, Boley also would strengthen what has been the bane of the Giants' linebackers lately — pass coverage, especially against tight ends. With the Saints' Jimmy Graham the most recent example, tight ends have dominated the Giants much of the season."