When will Hakeem Nicks be able to play again?
The Giants have not been able to provide that answer. He already has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Browns, the third consecutive game Nicks will miss. He did not play in Carolina because of a sore right foot but the past two weeks it’s been a swollen left knee that’s been problematic, though coach Tom Coughlin said, “It’s a combination’’ when asked why Nicks will not play this weekend.
Moving forward, the Giants will keep Nicks out of any practice until Wednesday, as they hope the rest will allow him to return to face the 49ers in San Francisco on Oct. 14. Coughlin said the swelling in Nicks’ knee has subsided.
“Well, you’re losing a terrific football player who not only is extremely important to what you do, he’s invaluable just in terms of his leadership and his ability in the bigger the moment to make the bigger play,’’ offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. “What you hope is collectively the rest of everybody will contribute enough that you can make up for his absence to enough of a degree that you win the game.’’
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CB Corey Webster is dealing with a hamstring issue but he says he’s confident he will be able to play on Sunday. “Since last week, Friday, after the game, just some wear and tear on it, I don’t think it’s anything serious though,’’ Webster said.
Safety Antrel Rolle sat out practice with swelling in his left knee and didn’t really want to talk much about it.
“You asking all these questions about my knee, I ain’t giving too much information,’’ he said. “I’ll be good on Sunday.’’
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Starting right guard Chris Snee did not practice because of a hip injury. “Ask Coach’’ he said when asked if he will be ready to play on Sunday. It’s likely he won’t, and if that’s the case, Mitch Petrus will get his first start of the season. Petrus was waived last month and then brought back when another offensive lineman just signed, D.J. Jones, failed his physical. … DT Rocky Bernard (quadriceps) didn’t practice. If he can’t play, either rookie Markus Kuhn or Marvin Austin will have to make his first start.
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DE Justin Tuck is not credited with a single quarterback hit on the official stat sheet.
“That’s very wrong, but I don’t have enough of ’em,’’ Tuck said. “I think I have three. I [stink]. That’s what I’m going to go back to, I [stink].’’
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It appears LB Keith Rivers (hamstring) will be able to play but LB Michael Boley (hip) might have to sit out. … WR Ramses Barden (concussion) has not been cleared. … Reminded that rookie RB David Wilson has excelled on kickoff returns, Gilbride said: “That’s great. Now we need him to do it on offense.’’