Linebacker Michael Boley practiced today for the first time after missing the entire preseason with a strained hamstring, and though he was limited he declared, "I feel like I'll be ready," for the Giants' season-opener Wednesday against Dallas.
"As a competitor, I don't like to miss games, period," Boley said. "I'm hoping I'll be out there and I look forward to it."
Boley said he "took a few reps here and there." He conceded that he needs more time on the practice field to get in sync with his teammates.
"Anytime that you miss significant time," he said, "you have to get reps and try to build that chemistry with the guys you're going to be playing with."
Keith Rivers has filled in at weakside linebacker in Boley's absence.
*Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks' only preseason action was a brief appearance in the finale against New England. He spent much of training camp on the physically unable to perform list while he rehabbed his surgically-repaired foot.
Nicks said he is not worried about the effect playing a full game will have on his foot.
"When I'm out there, there isn't going to be an issue," he said. "It's a matter of football. Pain is weakness leaving the body, so it is what it is. You can't worry about it.
"I'm out there. I'm still practicing. I practiced full go today, so if I feel like it was going to be that serious, I wouldn't be able to practice full go. No problems. It's just a matter of it's not feeling great. It is what it is and it's time to play ball."
Nicks conceded it will take some time for him to feel normal.
"I've probably just got to break it in," he said. "It might take a week. It might take two weeks. It could take three, four days. You never know. I'm just going to go out there and play ball."
*First-round draft choice David Wilson said he's "always been big on goals." Before every season, he writes down what he hopes to accomplish. The talented running back today shared his goals for his rookie NFL season.
"There's a list of them," Wilson said. "Five yards a carry. At least 10 touchdowns. At least six 100-yard (rushing) games. No sacks allowed on my behalf. No fumbles. A play of at least 20 yards (in every game)."
*Quote of the Day 1: Eli Manning on whether it seems like yesterday that the Giants faced the Cowboys on Jan. 1 with the NFC East title on the line: "It seems about eight months ago.
*Quote of the Day 2: Tight end Martellus Bennett on former teammate Jason Witten, who is recovering from a spleen injury he suffered in the preseason opener: "I wouldn't be surprised if he picked up his spleen, held it in his hands and tried to run his routes.
*The Giants are 49-33-5 in season openers and 17-11 in season-opening home games.
*The Giants are 7-10 in prime time against the Cowboys, their season-opening opponent.
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