Giants' receiver Hakeem Nicks broke his foot in practice last week. He hopes to be back in time for Week 1, and I believe he can do it. But even if he doesn't make it back in time for that one, against Dallas, it's not the end of the world.
He should be back in midseason form by, well, midseason. And in the meantime, his absence will provide opportunities for others to step up. No team has thrived in the "next man up" aspect of football like the Giants in recent years. It was Domenik Hixon's torn ACL just last year that opened the door for Victor Cruz to burst onto the scene, after all. And this year, even well before the games that count begin, it's Hixon himself, along with Ramses Barden and rookie Reuben Randle who will benefit from extra practice reps. If you're any of those three, or if you're anyone evaluating them, these next 3-4 months will be crucial.
Hixon has to show that he's ready to bounce back from his second torn ACL. He's been a tireless worker in coming back, and knows the playbook as well as any Giants receiver, so he's put himself in a good position if his body cooperates.
Barden is coming into a "show me" year if there ever was one. At 6'6", and having shown good hands, he has the chance this season to prove not just that he belongs in the NFL, but that he can be a mainstay in a rotation of capable receivers who are sure to benefit from having Eli Manning throwing them the ball.
Randle was touted as a player who can start from day one. We'll find out soon whether that statement is an accurate one.
However, while no Giant is irreplaceable other than Manning, it is important to have another threat in the lineup so Victor Cruz can
continue to flourish the way he did last year, without constantly facing
double teams.
