Carlos Emmons, who missed the last three games with a chest injury, is likely to start at strongside linebacker against Tampa Bay on Sunday for LaVar Arrington, lost for the season with an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Until he was hurt against Seattle on Sept. 24, Emmons was starting at weakside linebacker.

Brandon Short has played exceptionally well at that spot since replacing him, and that created a minor problem for coach Tom Coughlin last week. Emmons was ready to return, but Coughlin elected to stay with Short, making Emmons inactive for the game against the Cowboys.

Now Coughlin needs him.

“I embrace the challenge of replacing myself,” Emmons said. “I haven’t been out there. I am not replacing anyone else.”