Hakeem Nicks: Now Is the Time for Fantasy Owners to Trade for Giants WR

Injuries are a part of football, but they have a larger impact on fantasy rosters than NFL depth charts. There is no next man up for us, so we have to figure out when to cut the cord with players like Hakeem Nicks.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to convince his current owner that the time is now. 

Nicks suffered a broken foot in May that hampered him throughout the preseason. After his ridiculous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he developed swelling in his opposite knee, which very well could have been the result of compensating for the foot.

After taking three weeks off, he's now beginning to practice on a limited basis. He might not go this week or the next, but the time off hopefully allowed his foot to heal properly. Meaning he might be rested and ready to scorch opposing defenses.

Obviously, any trade for Nicks needs to be done with care not to dramatically overpay, but that's why the current situation seems like the perfect time to strike. Others may have devalued him due to his lingering health issues.

If you're still wary, don't be. We're talking about a guy who has a chance to be a top-10 wide receiver from whenever he gets back through the end of the season.

The New York Giants rank third in the league in passing (309 yards/game) and second in points (30.4). There will be plenty of opportunities for Nicks to gain chunks of yards and pick up touchdowns. Remember, this is a guy who had 2,244 yards and 18 scores over the prior two seasons.

Don't point to the "emergence" of Ramses Barden or Martellus Bennett as reasons not to pull the trigger. 

Barden had one game where he had nine catches for 138 yards. For the season, he has 12 catches for 198 yards. Barden isn't a threat to Nicks' stat line. 

As for Bennett, he is second on the team with three touchdowns. However, he's only averaging six targets per game. Again, not a threat.

As stated above, Nicks has only participated in two games, yet he is still the second leading receiver for the Giants in terms of receptions and yards. While most of that came in his 10-catch, 199-yard game against the Bucs, his track record speaks for itself. He'll produce once he's on the field. 

If you've got a receiver that you can plug in for a couple weeks and don't have to give up Victor Cruz in return, grab Nicks. 

And thank me later.