The New York Giants are getting ready to open OTAs this week and the team is preparing for a successful 2013 season, but so far things are not off on the best foot, as both wideouts Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are absent from workouts.
According to NFL.com, Tom Coughlin was upset that Nicks was not in attendance on Wednesday, saying that there was no reason he shouldn't be there. Eli Manning was surprised as well at his absence, although the team was expecting to not have Cruz after his contract issue is still being worked out. Nicks had an injury plagued season last year and that was one reason why the Giants struggled and Manning was looking forward to getting some work in on Wednesday with his top option.
Nicks did not give a reason for not showing and he and Manning have a good relationship so that is not an issues, but with Cruz also not being there, Nicks' absence was more pronounced. NFL.com reports that Nicks was at a New York City charity event Tuesday night and that he is feeling good after dealing with offseason surgery, but Coughlin was a bit miffed as he tries to get the team back in shape after missing the playoffs one season after winning the Super Bowl.
The biggest for Cruz will be if he shows to the June 11-13 minicamp that is mandatory and there is a chance that the team works out the contract before that. Cruz had another fantastic season for the Giants with 1092 yards and 10 touchdowns with 86 catches, but he wants a long term deal and the Giants are balking at the money so far. Both sides see a deal getting done, but it is taking a while now.
The team went 9-7 after winning the Super Bowl and 3-3 in the NFC East while ranking 12th in passing yards per game and 14th in rushing. The team needs to improve its defense greatly, as they ranked 28th and 25th in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. Henry Hynoski was carted off on Wednesday with an undisclosed injury.
