Cornerback Prince Amukamara practiced Tuesday and said he expects to play Thursday, but the bigger story for the Giants was who didn't make it on the field.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks rode an exercise bike on the sidelines as he nursed a sore foot, while offensive tackle David Diehl (knee), running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) and wideout Domenik Hixon (concussion) all were missing as the Giants held their only full practice of the week before the trip to Carolina for Thursday night's matchup with the Panthers.
Coach Tom Coughlin said after the workout that he expects Nicks to play, but the Giants coach wasn't as optimistic about Diehl, Bradshaw or Hixon. Coughlin would only say the Giants are "hoping against all odds" that they can go.
Amukamara, who has been sidelined since late in the preseason by an ankle injury, was joined in practice on a limited basis by cornerback Michael Coe (hamstring), linebacker Keith Rivers (hamstring) and defensive end Adewale Ojomo (hamstring). All three had been on the Giants' injury report Monday.
Amukamara said he has been working with the starters this week and expects to make his regular-season debut against Cam Newton and the Panthers.
