New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks returns from injury, hopeful for season opener – NFL News
Although New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks only caught one pass and gained six yards in the Giants preseason finale against New England Patriots, his return has fuelled the optimism that he will be available for the season opener against Dallas
Cowboys on September 05.
Nicks returned to the field for the first time since the Super Bowl XLVI game in which the Giants had defeated the Patriots. Giants also managed to win this game 6-3.
The receiver sustained a foot injury during this offseason and was forced out of training and practice sessions. He had hoped to return for the preseason games, but he was unable to gain clearance from doctors.
Nicks missed the first three preseason games (against Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Chicago Bears) while his participation against the Patriots was also not confirmed.
The receiver reportedly practised before the game against Bears as well, but the management decided against bringing him on the field. Before the game against Patriots, Nicks had hoped to play the preseason finale so as to get some practice for the regular
season opener.
The Giants introduced Nicks for a limited time against Patriots, but it was enough to ascertain his fitness level. Nicks said of his participation in the game against Patriots:
"It felt real good to be out there for the first time this preseason. Went out there, got my feet wet, got a couple reps.
"It was exactly what I needed to know that I'll be ready for next week. It was pretty much what I expected. No problem with the foot. It felt good, and I'll be ready to start the season."
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has also expressed satisfaction over Nicks’ health, but he did not say anything about the receiver’s participation in the game against Cowboys next week.
According to the details present on the team’s website, Coughlin said of Nicks in his postgame comments:
“We got him on the field and that was the objective. I have to look at the tape, but there was obviously nothing.”
The head coach added:
“He got knocked around pretty good and that was good.”
Tags: