FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/23/2013 1:05pm et

Updating previous reports, New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks has been absent from OTAs because of a personal reason, not because of his contract.

Huddle Up: And maybe --just maybe -- Nicks' contract has become a personal issue. In any case, it's left Eli Manning and the Giants without their top 2 receivers for the time being and has given the New York/New Jersey media something to write and talk about with Tim Tebow no longer around.

Posted: 5/23/2013 12:11am et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks did not show up to practice Wednesday, May 22, because he is unhappy with his contract situation, a source indicated. Nicks did not violate any rules, since organized team activities (OTAs) are voluntary, but head coach Tom Coughlin was expecting him.

Huddle Up: If Nicks is unhappy now, how do you think he'll feel when Victor Cruz gets paid? Suddenly the Giants' receiver rotation is beginning to look a bit troublesome.

Posted: 4/16/2013 11:11pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he never really felt like himself last season, as his left knee never recovered after a Week 2 injury. He has reported no problems with his knee during voluntary offseason workouts. 'It's always good to see him back healthy,' QB Eli Manning said. 'He is still striving to get to 100 percent. Obviously, having a healthy Hakeem would definitely make our team much better.'

Huddle Up: The offseason appears to be going well for Nicks, who had only 692 receiving yards and 3 TDs last season after 2 straight campaigns with at least 1,052 yards and 7 TDs.

Posted: 2/24/2013 12:54pm et

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he expects WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) to be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing offseason surgery.

Huddle Up: Nicks has yet to play a full season in any of his 4 as a pro, but the 2012 campaign was his least productive with 53 catches for 692 yards and 3 TDs in 13 games. The Giants and Nicks' fantasy believers most certainly will be hoping for a return to 2010-11 levels when he averaged 78-1,122-9 a season.

Posted: 2/22/2013 5:09pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said WR Hakeem Nicks recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery but is doing fine now.

Huddle Up: Nicks was hampered by an assortment of leg/foot injuries last season; good that he's taking care of cleaning them up early in the offseason so he can be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

Posted: 1/1/2013 3:58pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he will talk to doctors about whether he needs offseason surgery. Nicks added his injured knee initially needed up to 8 weeks to heal, but he opted to play through the pain.

Huddle Up: There's no question Nicks should've opted for surgery as his deeply-disappointing 2012 season (53-692-3 TDs) ranked as his worst as a pro. He only had one 100-yard receiving game all season --a 10-catch, 199-yard outing way back in Week 2 -- and faded badly when fantasy owners need him most, catching only 7 passes for 107 yards and a TD in the Giants' final 4 games.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:46am et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks was held without a reception for the first time in his NFL career in Week 16.

Huddle Up: Nicks has been all over the map this season, in part due to his own nagging injuries and in part due to Eli Manning's inconsistencies. The Week 16 bagel couldn't have come at a more inopportune time for his fantasy owners, and it's likely to stick in their craw and put a damper on his draft day value in 2013.

Posted: 12/15/2012 5:10pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) said he continues to feel better each week as he recovers from his injuries. The wide receiver added he's been doing the reps in practice he needs to be on the same page with QB Eli Manning, and believes the slowed down practice schedule has been beneficial. 'I feel real good actually right now,' Nicks said Friday, Dec. 14. 'The legs are feeling pretty good, so I'm looking forward to playing.'

Huddle Up: 23 of Nicks' 50 receptions this season have come in the past 4 games, and he's also latched on to a pair of scoring passes in that span. The Falcons can be tough on opposing WRs -- giving up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts -- but that shouldn't stop you from starting Nicks unless you're loaded at WR.

Posted: 12/12/2012 4:33pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Huddle Up: The no-practice dance continues for Nicks and the Giants. It worked out swimmingly last week against that porous Saints defense, but he gets a bit tougher matchup this week in Atlanta. Make sure all is well with his knee later this week.

Posted: 12/10/2012 4:15pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said he expects WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) to play at less than 100 percent for the rest of the season. He said the team will monitor Nicks' status on a weekly basis.

Huddle Up: Nicks owners have become use to this scenario. Start him at your own peril.

Posted: 12/10/2012 12:07pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is unlikely to practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, after he was banged up on several occasions in Week 14.

Huddle Up: Nicks has a sore knee and is still nursing a sore foot from his preseason injury. He'll follow the Ahmad Bradshaw practice schedule--little if any work during the week, but most likely playing on Sundays.

Posted: 12/9/2012 10:46pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks had X-rays after the Week 14 game against the New Orleans Saints. He said Sunday, Dec. 9, that he came down funny on his knee, but the X-rays showed he was fine.

Huddle Up: The injury concerns continue to hover over Nicks like a dark cloud, even on a day when he played and played well, catching 4 passes for 67 yards and a score. HAs hs fantasy owners are to used to by now, keep track of Nicks' status through practice this week.

Posted: 12/8/2012 5:34pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said he is hopeful WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) will play in Week 14 after he was limited in practice Friday, Dec. 7. Nicks is listed as questionable for the game.

Huddle Up: Nicks didn't do much at all in practice after Wednesday's workout, and the situation looks to be boiling down to a game-time decision so be sure to check out The Huddle's Game-Day Inactives, Injuries and Weather report Sunday before putting the finishing touches on your lineup.

Posted: 12/7/2012 2:57pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 7, and is listed as questionable for Week 14.

Huddle Up: The good news is that he practiced after taking time off this week. The bad news is that Hakeem Nicks is injured once again. It looks like he will play, but he might be a risky proposition at this point.

Posted: 12/6/2012 2:40pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 6, because of a sore knee.

Huddle Up: This is definitely something to track as Nicks practiced Wednesday and then couldn't go a day later. See what the wideout's prognosis is after Friday's workout.

Posted: 12/1/2012 5:08pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks said one of the bye-week tweaks the offense made was using him more in the slot, which frees him from double teams. Nicks had five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 12.

Huddle Up: Whether working out of the slot or outside, Nicks has stepped up his production at just the right time for his fantasy owners, notching 14 receptions for 152 yards and a TD over the past 2 games.

Posted: 11/9/2012 2:33pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) was limited in practice Firday, Nov. 9, and is probable for the team's Week 10 game.

Huddle Up: This is good news for Nicks owners after hearing that he'd been held out of practice earlier this week with knee swelling. His production has been down all season, but it would be difficult to avoid starting him unless you have several comparable or better options.

Posted: 11/8/2012 6:40pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said the medical staff sees he is running better every week and that there is no consideration to sitting out in the team's Week 10 game so he can get two weeks of rest.

Huddle Up: It's been a lost season for the injury-hampered Nicks, who this season only has 1 receiving TD and 1 game with more than 53 receiving yards. Given that track record, don't expect anything big out of the WR even if he does play.

Posted: 11/7/2012 1:14pm et

Updating a previous item, New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) is experiencing swelling in his knee again and will not practice this week. Nicks had battled through pain in his surgically repaired foot and had swelling in his knee earlier in the season but appeared to be getting healthier as he wasn't on the injury report last week. However, he was listed on the report Wednesday, Nov. 7. 'He did, so we are going to rest him today,' head coach Tom Coughlin said.

Huddle Up: Here we go again. Nicks had been healthy in recent weeks, though his fantasy impact has been minimal during that time. He has not played in weeks past when he has missed practice, so it looks like his playing status is iffy for this weekend. Keep an eye on him throughout the week.

Posted: 11/7/2012 11:32am et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks' knee swelled up and he will not practice Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Huddle Up: Nicks has done little since Week 2, and with the knee injury flaring up again his foreseeable fantasy future doesn't look particularly bright either.

Posted: 10/25/2012 4:30pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 25.

Huddle Up: It seems all systems are go, but Nicks owners will probably watch his games with their fingers crossed until he puts together a couple of solid efforts.

Posted: 10/24/2012 11:59pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) said Wednesday, Oct. 24, that he is feeling like himself again after a bout with foot and knee injuries. 'I'm a lot healthier now,' Nicks said. 'I feel like I finally got over the little hump. I feel like I got back to myself a little bit. I feel like I as getting in and out of my routes and having that full confidence back.'

Huddle Up: Nicks has played in back-to-back games since missing Weeks 3-5, and while fellow WR Victor Cruz has been piling up the the big fantasy numbers, Nicks will be sure to earn his share as he keeps getting healthier.

Posted: 10/22/2012 12:17pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks had five catches for 53 yards in Week 7 and said he felt "a lot better" than a week ago. "I was more confident out there today," Nicks said. "I'm still limited in certain things, but I think that's going to come with confidence."

Huddle Up: Good news for Nicks, who has been battling foot and knee injuries all season long. He may not be all the way back, but for fantasy purposes it appears safe to rely on him as a regular contributor for the foreseeable future.

Posted: 10/19/2012 2:47pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) said he is feeling better and needed the practice time to get better. "It's feeling better," Nicks said. "I feel like practicing on it is the start to breaking it back in and getting better. I took that approach this week and got the green light to do it; it's definitely been getting better."

Huddle Up: Finally, some consistently positive news for Nicks, who had been dogged by injuries all season long. If he can continue this positive trend, Nicks will be extremely valuable for his owners during the second half of the fantasy season. A reward for keeping the faith, so to speak.

Posted: 10/15/2012 11:25am et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks said he felt good following the team's Week 6 game despite not having his normal burst and explosion. "I feel good," Nicks said. "I know it will get better as weeks go on. I didn't expect to come out here and be great, great my first game back, but I know it will get better by next week and week after that and it just takes time." The key will be to see how he feels over the next few days. If his knee doesn't swell and his surgically repaired foot feels fine, then Nicks should be able to practice at least once this week.

Huddle Up: This is going to be a recurring issue for Nicks the rest of the way, and the Giants have demonstrated they're capable of plugging other receivers into the lineup and receiving quality production. Nicks' fantasy owners will have to deal with limited practice weeks and hope that numbers such as last week's 3-44 improve as he gets healthier.

Posted: 10/14/2012 11:38pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) was active for the team's Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers, and caught 3 passes for 44 yards on 5 targets.

Huddle Up: Nicks played for the first time since Week 2 and provided the team with another receiving weapon on a day when it won with a dominating defensive effort and a strong running game.

Posted: 10/13/2012 7:52pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) traveled with the team to San Francisco for their Week 6 game. Nicks still could be considered a game-time decision, but he appears more likely of playing.

Huddle Up: The Giants' passing game has done all right with Domenik Hixon, Ramses Barden and Rueben Randle filling in, but Nicks, when healthy, adds another dimension with his big-play ability.

Posted: 10/12/2012 4:09pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 12, and is listed as questionable for Week 6.

Huddle Up: He said Friday would be telling, but this paints a vague picture for Nicks' availability this weekend. The Giants might choose to rest him one more week and get him healthier before putting him into a game, but he is always a threat to go off if he starts. Monitor his status on Sunday.

Posted: 10/10/2012 1:26pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) did some running on the side during practice Wednesday, Oct. 10, and looked quick and agile. Head coach Tom Coughlin said he is hopeful Nicks will practice sometime this week. Nicks was running somewhere between half to three-quarters pace - an encouraging and positive step toward playing in Week 6. If Nicks can practice Thursday, Oct. 11, and come out of it with no setback to his knee or surgically repaired foot, the wide receiver will be on track to returning.

Huddle Up: The injury yo-yo continues with Nicks. He has practiced in past weeks only to be declared "out," so do not get your hopes up too much. Still, this is good news for owners who have been patient with Nicks as he has dealt with injuries throughout the year. If he is healthy, he is a top-10 threat.

Posted: 10/9/2012 4:19pm et

New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw thinks WR Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) will return to action in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Huddle Up: The Giants have made do with Domenik Hixon, Ramses Barden and Rueben Randle filling in during Nicks' 3-game absence, but they definitely could use his big-pay ability this week with an NFC Championship Game rematch on tap in San Francisco.

Posted: 10/4/2012 5:33pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) will not play Week 5.

Huddle Up: This situation has progressed past the worry stage for Nicks' fantasy owners, who will be without the wideout for the third straight week. Nicks entered the season with questions surrounding the health of his foot he broke in late spring but now is dealing with knee soreness and swelling. With Ramses Barden (Concussion) also sitting out practice Thursday look for plenty of targets Sunday for Victor Cruz, Domenik Hixon and possibly even rookie Rueben Randle.

Posted: 10/3/2012 12:36pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) will not practice Wednesday, Oct. 3. Head coach Tom Coughlin said Nicks looks better walking; however, he would not speculate if Nicks will practice Thursday, Oct. 4.

Huddle Up: This is a bit of a reversal from past weeks, when Nicks was able to practice but was scratched later in the week. Perhaps this means he will actually play this week, but don't hold your breath.

Posted: 9/29/2012 6:15pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) has been ruled out for Week 4 after originally being listed as doubtful for the game. Nicks (foot, knee) is believed to be dealing with swelling in his left knee, although the team has not specified which knee is bothering him. The injury originated when he went down hard on an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter of Week 2. His ankle was stepped on in the process. Nicks hadn't been able to run to test the knee over the past two weeks; however, he tested it Thursday, Sept. 27, and the Giants determined it was an issue.

Huddle Up: Troubling news for Nicks and his fantasy owners. At least when the wideout sat out Week 3, it was somewhat explainable with the short week leading up to the Thursday night game in Carolina. It's now 2 weeks later, and Nicks still isn't ready, and it may time to wonder if this is something that could linger for the forseeable future. In the meantime, Ramses Barden is a hot WR pick-up if he's still out there in your league.

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:40pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) is listed as doubtful for the team's Week 4 game.

Huddle Up: This is a bit of a surprise, though it shouldn't be considering Nicks' health issues throughout his career. The doubtful tag may as well read "out" considering how few players have actually played after being labeled as such. It looks like Ramses Barden has one more week of usefulness in him, though Domenik Hixon might cut into that.

Posted: 9/27/2012 3:31pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks was taking part in practice Thursday, Sept. 27.

Huddle Up: The Giants have indicated that Nicks will practice once a week as he goes easy on his injured foot. He didn't play last week due to the short recovery time between games, but all indications are he'll be on the field this Sunday.

Posted: 9/26/2012 12:25pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said WR Hakeem Nicks will continue to practice once a week. Nicks will practice Thursday, Sept. 27.

Huddle Up: Nicks has said his foot injury will be a matter of pain tolerance. Limiting his practice week helps, and after being unable to go on a short work week Nicks will be in the lineup for the Sunday night tilt in Philadelphia.

Posted: 9/20/2012 2:12pm et

Updating a previous report, New York Giants said WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) did not suffer a setback this week during practice but simply could not recover from Week 2 in time to play Week 3.

Huddle Up: It looks as if the short week has claimed another victim with the Giants getting only 4 days between games and having to travel to boot. This is something fantasy owners will have to be wary of with the league going to a full slate of Thursday night games this season.

Posted: 9/19/2012 4:13pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) has been ruled out of the team�s Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers. Nicks did not make the trip to Carolina with the team.

Huddle Up: This is a big blow to the Giants, who are also missing Domenik Hixon. Ramses Barden ascends to the No. 2 receiver spot with Rueben Randle likely getting a heavy workload at WR3 for the Giants this Thursday. Eli Manning's value takes a bit of a hit as well.

Posted: 9/19/2012 12:56pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 3.

Huddle Up: By now we must be used to this. Nicks was listed as questionable with that same injury last week and he only went nuts as the top fantasy performer of the week. The short week could pose a problem, but our guess is he will play and be just fine. The Panthers don't exactly have an elite defensive unit either. Unless there is a new development, Nicks should be good to go.

Posted: 9/18/2012 11:35pm et

Updating a previous report, New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) continues to deal with soreness in his right foot, but he doesn't expect to miss the Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, Sept. 20. 'I'm feeling pretty good' Nicks said. 'I just have to keep taking it day by day and (Wednesday) should feel a little bit better and then Thursday will be game time.' Nicks will have a homecoming, as he grew up in Charlotte, and played his college ball at the University of North Carolina.

Huddle Up: Nicks looked just fine in the Week 2 comeback win over the Bucs, snaring 10 passes for a team-high 199 yards and a TD. If Nicks has something extra planned for his homecoming, the Carolina secondary had best take cover now.

Posted: 9/17/2012 11:16am et

Despite his huge performance in Week 2, New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks stayed down momentarily and walked slowly off the field during the fourth quarter after a defender accidentally stepped on the back of his right foot following a reception. "I knew I had to shake it off. It was crunch time. I knew I wasn't going to sit out," Nicks said.

Huddle Up: Nicks still isn't fully recovered from the broken foot he suffered in the offseason, but as his Week 2 performance indicated he's healthy enough to be in fantasy lineups.

Posted: 9/13/2012 6:58pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) said some routes bother his foot more than others, but he won't tell the team which ones they are. "I just let them call the offense and I play accordingly," Nicks said. "I'm always (thinking) 'play within the system, don't tweak nothing due to this foot.' The mind overcomes all and I'm strong-minded. I feel like if I'm out there I have to be ready to do everything that I can do."

Huddle Up: At least Nicks is giving it a go -- he caught 4 passes for 38 yards in the Giants' season opener -- less than 4 months after fracturing his foot at OTAs. No, he's not yet the Nicks of recent seasons, but as long as he avoid another bad break, the old Nicks will gradually round into form.

Posted: 9/12/2012 1:56pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) was not taking part in the portion of practice open to the media Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Huddle Up: This is nothing new for Hakeem Nicks, who is used to playing on limited amounts of practice with the Giants. He did not have a good Week 1, but rookie Morris Claiborne did an excellent job on him. Look for him to bounce back in Week 2.

Posted: 9/7/2012 2:41pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) said he expects to deal with discomfort in his foot for another game or two before he feels like he did before his foot surgery. Nicks said he was happy that he was able to get through Week 1 without any problems.

Huddle Up: This is nothing new for Nicks, who has played through injury before. He says it did not affect his on-field performance, though his fantasy output was poor—Morris Claiborne may have had more to do with that than anything. As long as he's just "sore," Nicks is a must-start each week.

Posted: 9/6/2012 12:01am et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) started and finished with 4 receptions for 38 yards in his team's 24-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday night.

Huddle Up: Nicks, still shaking off the after-effects of his May foot fracture, looked solid while being targeted 6 times in the opener. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Victor Cruz led the team with 11 targets, 6 receptions and 58 receiving yards.

Posted: 9/5/2012 12:23pm et

The New York Giants expect WR Hakeem Nicks to play in Week 1; however, there is concern as to how effective he will be in the game.

Huddle Up: Nicks has said the injury is now just an issue of playing with the pain, and that he won't be on a limited play count. Recent history suggests that if he's healthy you'll want Nicks in your fantasy lineup, as this will likely be a high-scoring affair.

Posted: 9/4/2012 2:24pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) was limited in practice Tuesday, Sept. 4, and is questionable for Week 1.

Huddle Up: Nicks has said he'll play Wed. night, but how much -- or how effective -- he plays are whole other issues for the wideout's fantasy owners to consider. In other words, see how things are shaping up before the game Wed. but definitely have another WR option at the ready.

Posted: 9/3/2012 1:56pm et

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said Monday, Sept. 3, WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) has not experienced any setbacks and feels Nicks will play in Week 1. Nicks did not do much in the team's practice session.

Huddle Up: Nicks appears to be in line to play week 1 but owners should definitely monitor the situation with the early Wednesday game to kick off the 2012 season.

Posted: 9/1/2012 7:59pm et

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) said he will be ready Week 1 and there should be no limitations as far as how he will be involved in the offensive plan; however, Nicks realizes he is not completely healed and he will have to play through pain. 'It's a situation where you just gotta get used to playing with it,' Nicks said. 'It's not going to feel great, I know that, but it's a matter of me having the desire and want-to get through it.' Nicks added, 'I think I just gotta deal with the pain, I don't think I'll adjust my game any.'

Huddle Up: It's only been a little more than 3 months since Nicks broke his foot, and even though he's back playing, it's not going to be a painless process. In other words, don't expect the Hakeem Nicks of 2011 to show up for the first few weeks of the new season.

Posted: 8/29/2012 11:46pm et

Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks caught one pass for 6 yards Wednesday night, seeiing limited action in the New York Giants' 6-3 preseason win over the New England Patriots.

Huddle Up: This was Nicks' first game action since breaking his foot during May OTAs as the Giants wanted the WR to get some work in before the Sept. 5 regular-season opener. Nicks might not be ready for a full load right out of the gate, but, barring any setbacks, it shouldn't take long for him to get back up to top-15 fantasy WR speed.