It doesn’t seem that long ago when Hakeem Nicks was torching secondaries, but Saturday will mark 11 months since the Giants wideout’s last touchdown catch. Though Victor Cruz has pronounced himself fit for Sunday’s game, the Giants need more from Nicks — and he said they will get it.
“It’s just a matter of timing. It’s going to come. In this offense it’s guaranteed — you’ve just got to keep on pushing and make more plays in the green zone — unless I break one deep,’’ Nicks said with a chuckle. “I’m just taking care of the things I need to take care of, still working. I’ve got to keep working, keep pushing.
“I feel real good [physically]. It’s a lot of football left. In the past I’ve had five touchdowns in three weeks before. There’s a lot of football left. I just take it as its time to get in [the end zone].’’
Nicks has seen his touchdowns decrease for four straight seasons, from 11 to seven to three last season. He hasn’t scored since last Dec. 9 against the Saints.
Cruz (neck) practiced Friday and is probable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders, with Coughlin saying he hoped the wideout could play.
“Good to go,” said Cruz, who hurt his neck Oct. 27 against the Eagles and didn’t practice until returning on a limited non-contact basis Thursday.
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RB Brandon Jacobs (knee/hamstring) hasn’t played since Oct. 10 and is doubtful. He missed the past two games because of a hamstring injury, but now the knee has cropped up as well, though coach Tom Coughlin refused to call it a setback.
CB Corey Webster (groin) is out, with CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring) and CB Trumaine McBride (groin) questionable after practicing on a limited basis Friday. McBride said missing practice Thursday was purely precautionary.
“I feel good right now,” said McBride, who expects to play and start. “I went out there today and I felt good running. I felt good turning. I felt good playing, so I’m ready to go for Sunday. … I’m good. I’m ready to go.”
Hosley said he is starting to get his legs back.
“I’m definitely a lot better,” Hosley said. “[I’m] just continuing to try to work it out, get back to where I feel 100 percent and collectively we feel like I can help my team, whether its special teams or trying to get back on the field and be productive. Right now it’s definitely progressing. I’ve been out a month so I’m trying to get back in the motion of things.’’
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TE Adrien Robinson (foot) could debut Sunday. … Raiders RB Darren McFadden (hamstring) and CB D.J. Hayden (groin) are out.
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S Antrel Rolle reiterated the Giants have no margin for error.
“Every game is a must-win game for us so that’s going to be our mentality — win at all costs,’’ Rolle said. “Not every win is going to be the way you expected it to be, not every battle is going to be the way you expected it to be, but you just have to go out there and win at any costs.’’