Giants WR Hakeem Nicks Breaks Right Foot, Could Miss 12 Weeks

Hakeem Nicks broke his right foot Thursday. (AP photo

The Giants announced some extremely bad news to the fan base today, saying wide receiver Hakeem Nicks broke his right foot during the second day of organized team activities. He is expected to miss 12 weeks, which would have him back on the field in mid-August. That would leave little time for him to get back into playing shape, as the season kicks off September 5 against Dallas.

Nicks, who will have surgery Friday, fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot while running a route during individual drills.

Nicks teamed with Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham to form an explosive receiving core last season for the Giants. Even though Cruz got a majority of the headlines for both his play and touchdown celebrations, it was Nicks who truly emerged as the team's best wide receiver. He had 76 catches for 1,192 yards and seven touchdown, but raised his game another level during the postseason.

The injury is obviously a big blow to the Giants offense and quarterback Eli Manning, especially considering Manningham left in the offseason to sign with the 49ers. Nicks won't be on the field for offseason programs and will miss most of training camp as well.

The silver lining is rookie wide receiver Rueben Randle should get plenty of opportunities to work with the first team going forward, with added reps that typically would be given to Nicks going to Randle and the rest of the Giants receiving group. Of course, Randle has high expectations, as a second-round pick from LSU, and should be given every chance to grab one of the top three spots this offseason.

Last year, rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara, a first-round draft pick, suffered the same injury as Nicks and missed about 15 weeks.