The New York Giants know they had found their wide receiver after Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina was drafted as their first round pick during the 2009 NFL Draft, but after spraining his left foot in the fourth quarter of the Giants 23-17 win over the Washington Redskins, the team would have to wait two weeks to find out if he is truly their marquee receiver.
Nicks is not the only player who sustained an injury during the season opener for New York though. Running back Danny Ware also was injured as he dislocated his left elbow while returning the opening kickoff.
Head coach Tom Coughlin mentioned on Monday that the timeframe of two weeks for both players was a generous and it could unfortunately be longer than that.
Nicks, highly regarded due to some of his impressive performances during the preseason will be missed especially by quarterback Eli Manning. Manning would miss an opportunity to build chemistry with a rookie that can be top receiver on the Giants team this season; the potential is there.
Unlike Nicks, Ware’s absence might not be felt as much. The Giants still have Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw who are the top two backs on the team.
Coach Coughlin knows that Nicks’ absence in practice and in game time action might affect the team’s offense though they might be asking a lot from a rookie.
“Let’s face it, any time you take a player out, it doesn’t help,” Coughlin said. Nicks, unfortunately, spent the final minutes of the game on the sidelines sitting with crutches.
Thought he only caught two passes for 18 yards against Washington, the Coughlin explained that his understanding from the report was that the doctors have completely ruled out a more serious sprain that could’ve knocked Nicks out for the season.
Can you hear a sigh of relief from Manning?
Fortunately for the fans, most NFL teams will now have to wait and see what Nicks is capable of once fully recovered and back in the Giants uniform.
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