EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Hakeem Nicks was held out of practice on Sunday as a precaution.

Head coach Tom Coughlin said Nicks felt sore but expects the receiver to practice on Monday. And Nicks says he will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday night.

"I'm playing," Nicks said. "You don't have to ask me no questions. I'm playing."

Cornerback Prince Amukamara (ankle), defensive tackle Marvin Austin (back), tackle James Brewer (back) and Nicks were the only Giants who did not participate in practice. Amukamara is likely out for Wednesday's game with his high ankle sprain.

Marvin improvin': Like Amukamara, Austin is also eying his return for Week 2 against Tampa Bay. Austin took a spill today while playing on the scout team but came out of it OK and that was a good sign.

"I think I should be able to come back next week, I truly believe that," Austin said. "I feel really good."

Beatty's back: Left tackle Will Beatty, linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (groin) and defensive end Adrian Tracy (hamstring) went through a limited practice.

Coughlin said Beatty's back has held up so far.

"Beatty gets a few snaps every day and he’s done pretty well with it," the head coach said. "Again, I always have to be in reserve when it’s something like that. We’ll see how he is the next morning and that type of thing, but he’s working hard at it and he’s got a program that he’s on and it seems to have worked and helped."

Boley feels good: Linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring), running back Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (toe) went through a full practice and appear ready for Wednesday.

"I feel great," said Boley, who missed much of the preseason with a hamstring injury.

Welcome back Mitch: The Giants brought back guard Mitch Petrus and waived offensive tackle D.J. Jones, who failed his physical.