Fitzgerald Cecilio

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is confident he can make it in the season opener despite undergoing surgery to fix a broken toe.

Nicks, who recorded 76 receptions for 1,192 yards last season, aims to beat the 12-week rehabilitation timetable given to him by the team following a surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

The Giants are scheduled to return to training camp on July 26 at the University of Albany but the team did not expect their top wideout to start training until the second or third week of August.

Nicks reiterated he wants to re-join the team by the start of the camp and be ready for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 5.

"The doctor said he had people come back as early as four weeks, six weeks to eight weeks," Nicks told ESPN Thursday. "My goal is always to come back early. We just don't want any setbacks."

Despite his eagerness to get back on the field, Nicks said he won't force things out and take the rehabilitation smoothly.

"Obviously, if I feel something wrong running, I am going to listen to my body and I am going to be smart," he added. "My first day back, I am not going to jump in and do the whole practice," Nicks told ESPN Thursday

Nicks added he won't have a hard time meshing with quarterback Eli Manning once he returns to action.

Giants Wideout Hakeem Nicks Confident He'll Play in Opener - NFL 2012