[UPDATE, 08/03/11 5:02 PM EDT: Pouring right now, so we'll see. ]

Every time I look outside the window of my private little trailer here next to the Timex Performance Center the sky gets darker and darker. That is an ominous sign for Wednesday evening's practice, whis is supposed to be the first one the team goes through in full pads. If rain forces the Giants indoors, I'm not sure I want to go anywhere near coach Tom Coughlin when practice ends at 8:10 p.m.

A couple of Giants who were injured last season are looking forward to getting out on the field and getting hit tonight.

Outside linebacker Clint Sintim is eight months removed from knee surgery, and said he is "looking forward to full pads."

"I know there's going to be a lot of questions about my knee," Sintim said. "I'm ready and I'm excited to showcase my ability coming off this surgery."

Another player looking forward to full contact is Mathias Kiwanuka, the defensive end who missed the final 12 games last season with a herniated disc in his neck.

"I'm going to be ready," said Kiwanuka. "I've been in this position before, so it's something that's going to be in the back of your head until you get out there and get that first hit. I know the process, I understand there's going to be a little bit of that, but after I get out there and get a first hit it's full steam ahead."

If, of course, Mother Nature cooperates. Right now, that is a very big question mark.