New York Giants Rule Hakeem Nicks Out For Week 3

In a surprising move, Hakeem Nicks will not play against the Carolina Panthers tomorrow for the New York Giants. Nicks didn’t participate in any practice and didn’t join the team’s flight for the game tomorrow night. We had heard all week that he would play, so this comes as a bit of a shock.

It looks like Ramses Barden will start opposite Victor Cruz at receiver. Everyone has been waiting for Barden to get a chance to showcase his skills and now Barden is going to get his chance.

Nicks was just named NFC Offensive Player of the week after his 10 reception 199 yard performance this past Sunday. He had offseason foot surgery after breaking a bone in his foot, and the injury may have been aggravated due to Mark Barron accidentally stepping on Nicks’ foot. Nicks is from North Carolina and was really looking forward to playing in his home state.

The Giants will also be without third receiver Dominik Hixon who suffered a concussion last week. Starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw will also be out with a neck injury and Andre Brown will start in his spot. Barden and Martellus Bennett will have to step up as targets for Eli Manning in order for the Giants to leave Carolina with a win.

The defense will also have to step up and play better than they did on Sunday. It’s going to be hard for the Giants to put up 41 points like they did last week, without two of their main offensive weapons.