In the first glimpse the media got of life without Hakeem Nicks, the Giants slid Domenik Hixon in with the first team to work with Victor Cruz.

Hixon made some nice catches and head coach Tom Coughlin raved about the veteran receiver afterward.

"Same old Domenik," Coughlin said. "Make plays, make plays, make plays. Very, very steady, very consistent. Never makes a mistake. Always in the right place. A lot of good things. It makes me very anxious to make sure that he does get through the spring and feels real good about himself. He is a tough guy, he doesn’t back down from anything. He is a great example."

Hixon is making his way back after tearing his ACL twice in the past two years. He understands that many likely have either counted him out or have low expectations for him in the race for the third receiver spot. Hixon is competing against Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan and Rueben Randle to replace Mario Manningham.

"I don’t think people are looking at me at all to be honest with you," Hixon said. "Just kind of flying under the radar which is fine with me."

Hixon said he can use as many reps as he can get with Nicks recovering from toe surgery. Nicks may not be back on the field until mid-August due to a fractured fifth metatarsal.