Hakeem Nicks won't rush recovery, risk setbacks

Hakeem Nicks normally treats injury prognoses like a challenge. Doctors say he'll be ready in three weeks; he says he can play in one. They tell him to take a few series off to rest; he's back out there after two plays. He prides himself on being a fast healer and hates not being on the field.

This time, though, he's not taking the timetable for the broken bone in his right foot as an affront to his recovery prowess. Although he believes he could be back for the start of training camp in nine weeks, he's going to abide by the schedule the team and its medical staff have set.

"We just don't want . . . setbacks," the Giants wide receiver said Thursday during a conference call. "The team wants to take it 12 weeks, that's what we're giving it, so that's what we're going to go by. My goal is always to come back earlier, we just don't want no setbacks.

"We have to play it smart and be ready for the season," he added.

The season begins on Sept. 5 against the Cowboys. Will Nicks be at full strength by then?

"I don't have any doubt," he said.

It's already been a week since Nicks broke the bone while cutting on a hook route in last Thursday's organized team activity. In another week, he said, he'll be cleared to begin working on an exercise bike and elliptical machine. He said he is "walking around pretty good now" in a walking boot and plans to rejoin the team for its next OTA on Monday. He'll also travel with the team to the White House next Friday.

Nicks said he expects to ease back into practicing. He's not concerned about what he'll be missing in the offseason.

"I know the plays, I know the whole offense, so that won't be hard," he said of catching up.

Tom Rock

is a Newsday staff writer.