4 Players Who Must Step Up If Hakeem Nicks Isn't Healthy

After news surfaced that New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks broke his foot during the team's OTAs on Thursday, it became human nature to instantly look at other G-Men that must step up in his potential absence. 

In Adam Schefter's first report, he tweeted that Nicks may be gone for 12 weeks. 

Since then, he cited a person familiar with the situation that says Nicks is dealing with a four-to-six week injury and that the opener against the Dallas Cowboys is still in play. 

Even if the star wideout recovers from surgery, there's a good chance the Giants don't rush him back onto the field to lower the chances of re-injury. 

If that's the case, or even if Nicks is slightly hobbled for some or most of the 2012 season, these four Giants players have to up their contributions in major way. 

Ahmad Bradshaw and David Wilson

I've grouped these two together because they represent the New York Giants running game, a vital aspect of the team's season if Nicks isn't available or isn't 100 percent when he initially returns. 

This will be Bradshaw's first year without the bulldozing Brandon Jacobs. 

While Bradshaw was, for the most part, the more productive and certainly the more explosive back, the contrast in running styles definitely confused and oftentimes surprised opposing defenses. 

He'll have the additional task of teaching talented rookie runner David Wilson the nuances of playing the position in the pros. 

If the two can play off each other and formulate a balanced and steady running game, the G-Men won't need to rely on their passing game as heavily as they did last season. 

Victor Cruz

Cruz had a breakout season in 2011, with long touchdown catches and a salsa dance that thrust him into the national spotlight. 

Potentially without the outside presence of Nicks, it won't be as easy for Cruz to take advantage of single coverage from the slot with no safety help over the top. 

He'll have to become a better route-runner and still make an impact with added attention his way. 

His speed, quickness and strong hands make him capable of this challenge, but it'll be interesting how much Eli Manning can get him the ball at the start of next year if Nicks is gone or is not 100 percent.

Rueben Randle

Luckily for the Giants, they were able to grab Hakeem Nicks' insurance in the second round of this year's draft. 

At 6'3'', and 210 pounds, Randle has the body of an outside possession receiver and that's where he's comfortable after his collegiate career at LSU. 

Rookie receivers typically take time transitioning to the pro game, but Randle will be forced into the starting lineup and will be relied upon if Nicks isn't ready for a return when the regular season begins. 

He'll need to become a move-the-chains wideout with occasional breakout ability if the Giants don't want to miss a beat on offense in 2012.