WRs Smith, Nicks likely to return Monday
New York Giants Steve Smith runs for a touchdown after receiving a 6 yard pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks. (Nov. 7, 2010) Credit: AP
Giants wide receivers Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks pronounced themselves ready to play in Monday's game against the Vikings, even though both were limited in practice Friday.
Nicks has missed the last two games after surgery to fix compartment syndrome in his lower right leg. Smith has missed the last four games with a partially torn pectoral muscle.
The two are the Giants' most reliable receivers. Despite the work of recently re-signed Derek Hagan, coach Tom Coughlin wants to see them back on the field, especially against a Vikings team that is ranked fourth in the NFL against the run, allowing only 92 yards per game.
"Steve took a fall [Friday] and I was anxious to see what he would be like with that," Coughlin said. "It may be [Saturday] morning before I know on that, but he bounced right up. Hakeem has been pretty good, really. He's been just a little bit sore and been able to come right back each day."
"I think I'm good, but it's their decision at the end of the day," Nicks said. "I guess it's just decision-making time."
Smith sounded much more sure he'll be in uniform Sunday. "I'm glad I fell - I feel good," he said.
Regarding the harness he'll wear to keep his pectoral muscle from stretching too far, he said it won't be a huge hindrance. Said Smith, "Hopefully, Eli [Manning] will keep it within my arm radius."
Three receivers who were added to the team when Smith and then Nicks went down - Hagan, Devin Thomas and Michael Clayton - performed well enough on special teams and, in Hagan's case, in the offense. That allowed Coughlin to avoid having to bump another special-teamer to make room for an extra wideout.
"We've been carrying a good contingent that has helped us on special teams, and I'd like to be able to continue that to a certain extent," Coughlin said. "You obviously have some things that do have to be adjusted, but the guys that are put on the field are expected to play."
Notes & quotes: T David Diehl (hip/hamstring) practiced and is probable. He almost certainly will slide back in at left tackle with Shawn Andrews (back) out. C Shaun O'Hara (foot) did not practice Friday and is doubtful.
