Hakeem Nicks Doubtful With Swollen Knee

For all the hype surrounding Victor Cruz‘s return to Lincoln Financial Field, it’s another Giants receiver who has been garnering the most attention inside the NovaCare walls.

“The first thing that Coach [Todd Bowles] said was, they’ve got a good pass attack but he pointed out [Hakeem] Nicks as being their complete receiver, or their number one receiver,” said Nnamdi Asomugha. “That’s what he kept saying: ‘This is the guy we’ve got to watch.’ Obviously in the slot when they come out and spread it, Victor starts to get more of the looks. But when they’re just playing base football? It’s a little more Nicks.”

Now it looks like their primary concern might not even take the field.

Nicks is listed as doubtful on the Giants injury report with a swollen knee. The 6-1 Nicks, coming off offseason foot surgery, was sidelined last Thursday against the Panthers. He practiced Thursday before this new injury cropped up.

Asomugha was given the news during a session with reporters Friday.

“Hmm,” he said. “I don’t know. That’s happened so many times. We’ll see.”

The rest of the Giants injury report looks like this:

Linebacker Keith Rivers, (hamstring), cornerback Jayron Hosley (hamstring) and right tackle David Diehl (knee) are all out. Cornerback Michael Coe (hamstring) and safety Antrel Rolle (knee) are questionable; running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck), wide receiver Domenik Hixon (concussion), cornerback Corey Webster (hand) and defensive end Adewale Ojomo (hamstring) are all listed as probable for Sunday.

For the Eagles, King Dunlap and Akeem Jordan are out. That means Demetress Bell will get the nod once again at left tackle, and Jamar Chaney is expected to start at weakside linebacker. Riley Cooper suggested to reporters after practice that he will not play Sunday.

Jon Dorenbos (ankle) did practice, according to Andy Reid. His status is up in the air.

“I can’t tell you either way. He’s 50-50. He practiced today, though, and moved around pretty good,” said Reid.

Long-snapper Kyle Nelson was signed to the practice squad in case Dorenbos can’t go against the Giants.

Cooper, Dorenbos and Colt Anderson (knee) are all officially listed as questionable.

Jeremy Maclin (hip) is “ready to go,” Reid said.