New York Giants OTA, 5-22-13

Henry Hynoski is carted off the field during the New York Giants OTA at the Timex Performance Center. East Rutherford, NJ 5/22/13 (John Munson/The Star-Ledger)

The Giants were down two wide receivers and a fullback today on their first day of Phrase II – actual practice sessions - of their OTAs.

Fullback Henry Hynoski suffered a knee injury and wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz were no-shows at the Timex Performance Center.

Cruz's absence was expected. Nicks' was not although the OTAs are voluntary.

New York Giants OTA, 5-22-13 18 Gallery: New York Giants OTA, 5-22-13

Hynoski, who has an understated but vital role in the offense, went down on the second play of practice. He took a hand-off from quarterback Eli Manning and went down in a heap in the backfield. He appeared to bang knees with running back Andre Brown.

Moments later, he was carted off the field. He will undergo an MRI.

“He kind of got (his leg rolled up on) and so we are taking a look at that," Coughlin said. "I said a few prayers and I'll continue until I hear what it is."

Nicks, who broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during the Giants’ second OTA last spring, was expected to attend and coach Tom Coughlin was none too pleased.

“He should be here,” Coughlin said. "Yeah, I sure did (expect him)."

Said quarterback Eli Manning: "I had no reason to think he wasn't going to be here."

Asked if his absence was injury related – Nicks had knee and foot problems last season, Coughlin said, "No. He would have some kind of limitations, I'm sure. Not right away, but that's not the reason (he's not here)."

Cruz, of course, is holding firm to his desire for a long-term contract. Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch have both expressed optimism that a new deal will eventually be hammered out.