Jon Dorenbos

Birds 24/7

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.

Birds 24/7

Maclin Returns To Practice; Cox Sidelined

Jeremy Maclin returned to the practice field Monday after missing last week’s game against the Cardinals with a hip injury.

Maclin’s absence was very much felt in the 27-6 loss in Arizona. Michael Vick, under constant pressure and struggling with his reads, could have used a safety blanket like Maclin on the outside.

It appears the receiving corps is on the mend. Riley Cooper also practiced Wednesday. Cooper, who is recovering from a fractured collarbone, said last week that he was targeting the Giants game for his return.

As Andy Reid stated, King Dunlap (hamstring), Akeem Jordan (hamstring), Jon Dorenbos (ankle) and Colt Anderson (knee) did not suit up Wednesday. One name not mentioned by the coach earlier in the day was Fletcher Cox, who appeared to be just a spectator at practice. Cox missed part of Sunday’s game because of a migraine.