NFL

Nicks sits out practice, but says he’ll play

A day after stating he was feeling fine and having no problems on the field, Hakeem Nicks did not participate in practice yesterday, just three days before the Giants will face the Cowboys in the season opener.

Nicks, though, wanted to allay any fears.

“I’m playing,” he said. “You don’t have to ask me no questions. I’m playing.’’

Coming off a broken right foot, Nicks’ rehab has progressed on schedule, but before practice coach Tom Coughlin said the wide receiver reported his foot “was sore.’’ The decision was made to give him the day off, although Nicks did stand around and catch a few passes as the quarterbacks warmed up. Nicks is expected to practice today.

“I would think so,’’ Coughlin said. “He looked like once he got out here and he was moving around on the grass, he looked a little friskier.’’

* Left tackle Will Beatty (back) again was limited in practice and the coaching staff doesn’t think he is ready for full-tiome action Veteran Sean Locklear is expected to start at left tackle. Locklear has drawn praise from offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.

“[Locklear] hasn’t hurt us in the pass game at all,’’ Gilbride said. “His protection has been excellent.’’

* Linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring) was able to go full in practice and even intercepted a pass.

Linebacker Jacquian Williams said he aided Boley’s return as a lead blocker, but said, “He could have a new hamstring and he couldn’t catch me.’’

Hearing that, Boley said, “If they sold new ones, I’d definitely have one by now.’’

Boley was in a good mood, as he’s on pace to play in the opener after missing all four preseason games.

“I feel great,’’ Boley said. “That’s a great sign. Any time coming off any kind of injury, coming back and not having any setbacks is great.’’

* Cornerback Jayron Hosley (toe) also was a full participant in practice. Linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (groin) and defensive end Adrian Tracy (hamstring) were limited. … For the first time in several weeks, defensive tackle Marvin Austin was on the field, in full pads and did some individual drills but he won’t be ready to play by Wednesday. He doesn’t think it will be long, though. “I think I should be able to come back next week, I truly believe that,’’ Austin said. “I feel really good.’’ … Offensive lineman D.J. Jones, signed on Saturday, failed his physical and was waived. Jones’ misfortune proved to be a blessing for guard Mitch Petrus, who had been waived Friday after a rough summer, but was re-signed.

* Special teams coach Tom Quinn said the competition for the punt return job is ongoing, as no one won the role in the preseason.

Rueben [Randle] got a fair share at it, Hosley got a share, and [Jerrel] Jernigan did,’’ Quinn said. “They all had different things that happened to them in the preseason, so we couldn’t just make it one vs. the other.’’

Gilbride said “right now, yeah’’ when asked if Domenik Hixon is the No. 3 receiver.

“He’s a consummate pro,’’ Gilbride said.