Shaun Rogers' second opinion gives Giants hope he'll play in 2012

Shaun Rogers' season isn't as over as was first thought.

When the veteran defensive tackle was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf last week, Tom Coughlin said he would not be able to play in 2012 because of the dangers associated with his blood-thinning medication. The Giants never moved him off their roster, though, and Tuesday he was in uniform riding a stationary bike as the rest of the team practiced.

"There's a ray of hope, that's all," Coughlin said after practice. "We're just going to hang in there as long as we can."

Coughlin said Rogers received a "more positive" second opinion and has changed his prescription to a medication that could allow him to suit up this year. That would be beneficial for the Giants, who were counting on the 12-year veteran who had shown his dedication to the upcoming season by dropping 50 pounds before training camp.

"There is a chance that he could come back and play, that's what we've been told," Coughlin said. "We're just going to hang in there as long as we can and see if they can determine where he is and how fast he would be able to play."

Nicks needs a solid week

Hakeem Nicks said he still needs a little time with Eli Manning to refine their timing. But just a little time.

"It's not far off," the receiver said after his second practice of the preseason Tuesday. "Obviously it needs some polishing up because, you know, I've been out for awhile. But we've got enough time where we can make things right. A good solid week of practice and everything will be back."

One thing that Nicks said doesn't need to come back is his ability to catch passes, because it never left.

"Nah," he said, "I don't think I'll ever lose that."

Boley takes baby steps

Linebacker Michael Boley did some light running to test his sore hamstring Tuesday after missing most of the preseason. "It's still not where I need it to be for me to go out there and work," Boley said afterward. "I'm very concerned about getting back out there. This is valuable time that I'm missing."