Hakeem Nicks Injury: Giants' Situation Goes from Bad to Worse with WR's Injury

The New York Giants must have done something to upset the Football Gods. They were already ravaged with injury when defensive end Justin Tuck had to pull out of the opener with a neck injury.

Now, just when it looks like Tuck is ready to return to action, receiver Hakeem Nicks has suffered a knee injury.

Gregg Rostenthal of NBC Sports is reporting here that Nicks' injury isn't serious, but his status for New York's Monday night game against the Rams is in question.

If there was ever a team in a must-win Week 2 situation, it's the Giants. If Nicks can't play, their chances are only diminished. This is the guy that caught 79 passes for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010. The opening of 2011 looked pretty good, as well, with Nicks posting seven catches for 122 yards.

The Giants simply can't afford another loss this early. Yes, they get the benefit of playing the NFC West this year, but so does everyone in their division.

The NFC looks to be a relatively deep conference. Between the Eagles, Saints, Bears, Packers, Falcons Lions, Buccaneers, Cowboys, and whoever wins the NFC West, you have only six playoff spots to disperse. Yes, a few of those teams are likely to fade, but a few others are likely to rise.

Where do the Giants fit in? Well, if they can’t figure something out quickly, they don't.

Their injuries have been largely relegated to the defensive side of the ball. Now, even if only for one week, they are likely going to be without the services of their top receiver.

The Giants haven’t done a lot since winning Super Bowl XLII. They came back the next year with a strong season, but lost in their first playoff game.

They were 10-6 last year, but missed the playoffs largely because of this play. The revamped Eagles are likely to top their 10-6 output from 2010. That means that the Giants best chance at qualifying for the playoffs will come from earning a Wild Card berth. That's not going to happen with an 0-2 start.

The Giants need to figure out how to overcome Nicks' injury this week. If they can't, then another mediocre season is likely. And if the Giants have another mediocre season, we're going to see a much different team in New York next season.

LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.