Unlike most teams playing on Wednesday night, the New York Giants actually trotted out their starters for a handful of series in their preseason finale against the New England Patriots. That starting unit included someone we haven't seen since the Super Bowl.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nickscaught one pass for six yards in limited work, his first action since undergoing foot surgery in late May, as the Giants rode two field goals to a 6-3 win over the Patriots.
Nicks caught a pass over the middle and braced for contact a little early, but the outing has to be considered a big success.
"It felt real good to be out there for the first time this preseason," Nicks said during a sideline interview. "Went out there, got my feet wet, got a couple reps.
"It was exactly what I needed to know that I'll be ready for next week. It was pretty much what I expected. No problem with the foot. It felt good, and I'll be ready to start the season."
The Giants are as deep and explosive on offense as they've been throughout the Tom Coughlin era. The Dallas Cowboys' re-made secondary will be tested right away next Wednesday when it faces off against Nicks, Victor Cruz and a slew of candidates for the No. 3 receiver job.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.