ALBANY, N.Y. -- Hakeem Nicks ran routes on the side at practice today for the first time since he broke a toe in his foot.

Nicks remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list but is still on target to begin practicing soon and play in the season opener against Dallas. He appeared to run the routes without a hint of pain or trouble.

"Just waiting for them to tell us," Coughlin said of the medical staff giving Nicks the green light to practice. "A good week more off I would think [before he gets cleared]."

Nicks said he has been running straight ahead and even running in circles and "running on the outside of my foot."

"I’ve been doing hills, getting my endurance back up," he said. "Just doing everything I need to do to make sure I’m back in shape before I step back out there. I’m going to run some routes on the side today for the first time. So we’re going to see how that feels after I do that."

Nicks underwent surgery on his right foot on May 25 and the Giants' timetable was pretty much about a three-month recovery. He says he has suffered no setbacks and is still on target to play against the Cowboys.

"My main concern is making sure when I do step on the field, I’m healthy and 100 percent," said Nicks, who is wearing orthotics in his cleats. "That’s our whole focus right now and I’m making sure we take the right steps to be that way."

"Definitely still on target," he added for the season opener. "No setbacks. Everything’s been going good. I’ve been running every day, no setbacks, feeling good. Getting better."

For more on Nicks' rehab, you can read Stephania Bell's expert analysis here.