Hakeem Nicks Injury: Why the Giants Won't Win Without Him

Hakeem Nicks is questionable for Monday night's game against St. Louis, and if he is unable to play, the uninspiring Giants offense will be just awful. 

The explosive wide receiver was New York's only consistent threat last week, but a bone bruise and hyper-extended knee has left his Week 2 status in doubt.

Nicks was an animal in Week 1, catching 7 passes for 122 yards, including a gorgeous 68-yard almost-touchdown.

But unfortunately for New York, Nicks was the only receiver who showed up.

The only other two wide outs to catch passes were Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon, who combined for a measly 70 yards on six catches. Tight end Jake Ballard had a nice 41-yard pickup, but that play accounted for half his receptions. And Victor Cruz got one ball thrown his way—which he dropped—before getting yanked.

To put it quite bluntly, New York would be screwed without Nicks.

The Giants are six-point favorites at home, because St. Louis has their own injury issues, but the loss of Nicks would be crippling.

New York mustered just 75 yards on the ground against Washington, and Eli Manning spent the majority of the game on his back. With a porous offensive line and no legitimate receiving threat, I'm expecting more of the same on Monday.

The Rams will likely be without starting running back Steven Jackson, but if Rex Grossman (yes, that Rex Grossman) can carve up the Giants defense, Sam Bradford surely can, too.

Nicks insisted that he'll play Monday night, but the Giants didn't exactly agree with him. The decision will be based on what the doctors say within the next 48 hours.

If Nicks can play at a near 100 percent level, the Giants' offense will receive a major boost. But if he can't, expect some gruesome numbers and a home loss for Tom Coughlin's crew.