Hakeem Nicks Day-To-Day For Giants; Knee Swelling Still An Issue For Baas
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- The Giants started preparations for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots without five starters.
Leading running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), starting wide receivers Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) and Mario Manningham (illness), center David Baas (knee) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (shoulder) all missed Wednesday's practice.
The biggest concerns seem to Baas and Nicks, who were both hurt in Sunday's 20-17 win over Miami.
"(Nicks) tells me he's better and says all the right things," coach Tom Coughlin said before announcing Nicks would sit out practice.
Baas still has swelling in his right knee and Kevin Boothe may have to step in. Nicks has not been available for comment since Sunday, although Coughlin says his status is "day-to-day."
Manningham was sick. Bradshaw and Umenyiora seemingly should be ready for Sunday.
"That's normal," Coughlin said about Umenyiora. "He normally has Wednesday (off)."
The injuries could help receiver Ramses Barden get on the field. He has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of an ankle injury, but says he is ready to go.
First-round draft pick Prince Amukamara (foot) also could make his debut this week, although he was limited at practice Wednesday along with defensive end Justin Tuck and fullback Henry Hynoski (neck).
Tuck returned to the lineup Sunday after missing three games with neck and groin injuries.
Former Rutgers defensive back Brandon Bing was signed to the practice squad. He spent a month on Buffalo's practice squad earlier this year. To make room for Bing, the Giants terminated the practice squad contract of quarterback Ryan Perrilloux.
If Nicks can't go, who should be Eli's go-to receiver? Sound off below...
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