The New York Giants now have one of their two top wide receivers in-house.
Hakeem Nicks reported Tuesday for the start of the team's mandatory three-day minicamp. Giants punter Steve Weatherford provided visual proof of Nicks' arrival:
Nicks had been in communication via text message with quarterback Eli Manning, who said Monday that he expected the receiver at minicamp. Nicks has yet to reveal why he chose to sit out organized team activities, though it's been reported that he is looking for a new contract to replace his rookie deal, which expires at the end of the 2013 season.
Nicks said Tuesday he saw no reason why he wouldn't be at Giants training camp when it opens in late July, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reported.
Nicks' absence hasn't gone over well with Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who expected to have his receiver at the voluntary OTAs. Coughlin told reporters that Nicks gave no reason for missing workouts. Nicks' agent denied his client's absence is contract-related.
No, Nicks and Victor Cruz did not ride in on matching white horses. Cruz has yet to sign his franchise tender, so he is not contractually bound to attend the three-day minicamp.
Had Nicks remained absent, it would have cost him $66,150.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
