Hakeem Nicks questionable, Justin Tuck

Hakeem Nicks questionable, Justin Tuck:The two key starters are questionable on the New York Giants open at home Monday night against the St. Louis Rams. Defensive end Justin Tuck, who left Week 1 for a neck injury, was limited in practice Saturday. The same applies to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who suffered bone bruising and hyper-extended knee in the first quarter of the season opening loss to Washington the Giants'. Tuck predicted Friday that he would be a game-time decision for Monday night. Nicks guaranteed that he will be on the field. As expected, defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) has been ruled out for Monday. Tight end Travis Beckum will also sit with a hamstring injury. Jake Ballard will probably start in place of Beckum. As Tuck said the Giants' defensive captain on Thursday that his "gut" told him that he will carry the colors of the two week course, his instinct told him right away before the game Redskins. "My instinct was wrong one time, "said Tuck. “I hope I do not mean that a trend." Tuck said Thursday that there was no soreness in his neck. He did acknowledge that he is still affected by the injury, though he was evasive when pressed on the matter. "There's no pain," Tuck said. "There's something else, but there's no pain.” As for Nick, wideout said Friday that it would be" on the ground, "although the decision will depend largely with team doctors." I'm quite happy with what they tell me, "he said. Nicks caught seven passes for 122 yards Sunday to lose him would be a terrible blow. It is unclear who will start in his place. Candidates include Domenik Hixon and Victor Cruz. The newly signed Brandon Stokley is a remote possibility. Tuck's absence, obviously, would also loom large for the Giants. New York sacked Rex Grossman four times without Tuck or Umenyiora last week. But the secondary was torched by Grossman for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell attributed that in part to the absence of Tuck and Umenyiora. It is not clear at this time how long Umenyiora will be out.He worked on the side during Friday practice went well and according to coach Tom Coughlin Giants. The veteran defensive end had suffered a left knee arthroscopy on 19 August annoying and should be four to six weeks. It is possible that it could be healthy enough to return to three weeks in Philadelphia. Beckum, the Giants' starting tight end, will miss his second game directly with a sore groin. He had not practiced all week. Ballard started in his place last Sunday, catching two balls for 59 yards.