Nicks Returns After Hurting Shoulder

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has returned to the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers after being taken to the locker room after he landed hard on his right shoulder.

Nicks was clobbered by cornerback Chris Culliver after making a 7-yard catch on a pass from Eli Manning late in the first quarter Sunday.

Nicks returned on the next series.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.