New York Giants Mini-Camp: Day 1 practice report

The New York Giants wrapped up Day 1 of their 2013 mandatory mini-camp Tuesday afternoon, and the best news is no one got hurt. At least not that we saw from the sidelines, or were notified of by the Giants' PR Dept. So, that's good.

Let's take a look at a few notes from practice.

Who worked, who didn't

Hakeem Nicks, back to work after skipping voluntary OTA, did individual drills but did not take part in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills. Head coach Tom Coughlin said "He’s definitely not in tune with where we are." At least, however, he is on the field. Linebacker Jacquian Williams also worked. Williams sat out the early portion of OTAs as he recovers from a PCL injury. Wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan showed no ill effects after an apparent hamstring injury last week.

[More on Nicks' Return]

Chris Snee (hip surgery) and David Baas (knee) did not practice, though both attended. Snee had a huge wrap on his left hip and Baas had a similarly large wrap on a knee. Coughlin said "I’m told that they will be ready to go" for training camp.

[More on Snee, Baas]

Victor Cruz, who still does not have a contract, was a no-show. He can't work without a contract, anyway. Coughlin said that Jason Pierre-Paul (back surgery) has been at the facility, but it will be a few weeks before he can do anything.

Practice Notes

I don't have a lot in terms of individual plays or players who really stood out. That is tough to determine when there is no contact -- players are not even wearing shells. Here, however, are a few notes.

• The Giants began the workout outside, quickly went inside when it began to rain and went back outside 10 minutes later when the sun came out.
• The Giants obviously like undrafted free agent cornerback Charles James. How could I tell? James worked as both a punt and kickoff returner, and history tells me that players who have no chance to make the team don't get those opportunities.
• The starting offensive line with Snee and Baas sidelined was Will Beatty (LT), Brandon Mosley (LG), Kevin Boothe (C), James Brewer (RG) and David Diehl (RT). Don't read much into that, though. Mosley and Brewer worked at multiple positions during practice.
• Mark Herzlich continued to take the first-team reps at middle linebacker.
• The defensive linemen were doing a drill near reporters at one point. All I can say is Johnathan Hankins and Linval Joseph are MASSIVE people.
• You want a prediction? Wide receiver Louis Murphy caught 25 balls for the Carolina Panthers last season. He will catch more than that for the Giants this season.
• Memo to Da'Rel Scott: Keep dropping pitchouts and Michael Cox will make the team while you end up selling insurance.
• Steve Weatherford punted indoors and hit the ceiling of the practice dome twice in five minutes.
• The funniest sight of the day for me was 15-20 reporters and camera people huddle around Nicks' locker for a half hour during the open locker room session -- while Nicks was nowhere around.

The Schedule

The Giants practice Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning before breaking until training camp.