For a second straight day, Hakeem Nicks did not participate in practice yesterday as the Giants prepared for tomorrow night’s season opener.
“Nothing the matter,’’ Nicks said. “I’m ready to play.’’
Once again, Nicks guaranteed he will be on the field when the Giants open their season against the Cowboys. Coming off a broken right foot, Nicks made steady progress and was able to get on the field last week and was in for 10 plays, catching one pass, in the final preseason game. But after practicing on Saturday, Nicks was told to take the past two days off and Tom Coughlin said Nicks’ foot was “sore.’’
“I feel fine,’’ Nicks said. “They wanted me to take some reps off of it these last two practices to get ready for the game. Shouldn’t be no problem. I’ll be ready to go.’’
Not only is Nicks sure he will face the Cowboys but he insists he’s ready to handle a full load. “This game it will be about 60 plays instead of 10,’’ he said. “I’ll be playing a full game.’’
Nicks acknowledges his foot is sore but insists that’s to be expected. “It’s still there, it’s not like it’s perfect but it’s nothing that’s going to hinder me or stop me from playing,’’ Nicks said.
* CB Prince Amukamara (ankle), DT Marvin Austin (back) and OT James Brewer (back) did not practice and won’t play in the opener. LT Will Beatty (back), LB Mathias Kiwanuka (groin) and DE Adrian Tracy (hamstring) were limited. LB Michael Boley (hamstring) went full again and said: “Yeah, I’m playing’’ when asked about tomorrow night.
* Coach Tom Coughlin on the replacement officials: “I certainly understand the position that those gentlemen are in and I wish them nothing but the best and hope that they know the rules, they can be spontaneous, instinctive and control the game.’’
* G Mitch Petrus knows how fortunate he is. After a rough summer, he was cut on Friday and his spot on the roster was taken by another offensive lineman, D.J. Jones, who was claimed off waivers from the Eagles. On Saturday, Jones failed his physical and Petrus was re-signed on Sunday. “I’m not here because they said ‘Well…,’’ Petrus said. “They picked somebody else and it didn’t work out. … It’s a great feeling, it’s an opportunity, a second chance, they still believe in me. They found enough in me to bring me back; now, I’m going to make sure I bring my end of the bargain.’’
Shaun O’Hara, a Giants center from 2004 to 2010, was welcomed back to the team facility to officially announce his retirement. “I’ve been dreading this day my entire career,’’ an emotional O’Hara said. “I wasn’t the most gifted athlete, but I learned early on in my life that perseverance is more valuable than talent. I can honestly say that I squeezed every ounce of ability out of my body and I have no regrets.’’