Giants WR Nicks returns to practice

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks practiced Monday for the first time since suffering a broken foot during the team's offseason program on May 24.

"Big day," said Nicks, who returned to individual work last week. "My mind is saying, 'Take it easy, but at the same time still be smart about it.' Still want to be on pace to make it back for the first (regular season) game. I don't want to have any setbacks. That's the mindset. Still want to progress at the same time though. Get back into the shape that I would like to be in when it comes time for the first game."

Nicks is still not taking part in 100 percent of the practice reps, but coach Tom Coughlin said "he seemed to be pretty good."

Whether Nicks will play in either of the final two preseason games remains to be seen.

"I don't know, we'll see," Coughlin said. "We're going to go slow to make sure that there's never a setback. He's very anxious to do more, but we'll go slow."

--Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) and linebacker Mark Herzlich (hip pointer) returned to practice, although Bradshaw was limited.

"I think he could do more," Coughlin said. "He's obviously sore, he's got some swelling in his hand, but his hands are well protected. So, I think this is precautionary."

--Defensive end Adrian Tracy (hamstring) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (turf toe) did not practice.

"Hosley's sore and they're trying to do as much as they can to keep him off his feet," Coughlin said of the medical staff.

--Linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring) and tackle Will Beatty (back) continue to be sidelined.

"Beatty's still struggling," Coughlin said.

Sean Locklear continues to practice in Beatty's place at left tackle.