Domenik

Hixon

It’s Hixon’s first known visit since he turned down an offer from the Lions on the opening day of free agency. In Oakland, Hixon could return punts and kicks while also acting as a situational deep threat at receiver, replacing Darrius Heyward-Bey. Hixon, 28, is one of the better receivers left on the free-agent market.

He is recovering from a broken foot. His injury will give David Terrell and David Kircus a better shot to make the team.

With Nicks apparently headed for a game-time decision, owners planning on waiting would be wise to grab Hixon. The Rams’ secondary is battered and Hixon flashed as a starter while filling in for Plaxico Burress back in 2008. In seven starts that season, Hixon averaged 3.8 catches for 59.0 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Clayton is confirming a New York Daily News report that Nicks is “at best, uncertain” for Monday night’s game against the Rams. “The knee is day to day but there is definite concern about this week,” says Clayton. We’re guessing that Domenik Hixon would start opposite Mario Manningham if Nicks can’t go. Hixon could shape up as a nice “handcuff” waiver addition with St. Louis possibly missing both starting corners.

We’re talking Clayton’s update with a grain of salt this early in the week. If Fletcher does end up sitting out, though, the Rams could be without both starting corners in Week 2. Mario Manningham and perhaps Domenik Hixon would be set up for success if Hakeem Nicks (knee) can’t go.

It sounds like the injury is to the back of Hixon’s knee near the calf area. The discomfort is believed to stem from the surgically repaired knee, but it’s not considered serious at this time. Hixon will undergo an MRI Tuesday in order to gain clearance for practice.

Hixon returned for the first series following halftime, then was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The injury happened when Hixon fell to the ground after making a 22-yard circus catch for a touchdown. He finished the night with the touchdown and a 7-yard grab. It’s concerning given that it’s the same knee that kept Hixon out for all of 2010. The Giants will play the second half with Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Brandon Stokley.

It’s understandable, as Hixon was sidelined for a majority of the second half after banging up the same knee that caused him to miss all of 2010. We’re hearing that it was most likely just calf cramps, but that the team decided to rule him out for the remainder of the game as a precaution. Hixon said he was fine after the game, but look for him to undergo further testing Tuesday and the Giants to tread carefully on a short week.

Hixon got a mere scare when he had pain in the same leg that he tore an ACL in back in 2010. He’ll have a precautionary MRI Tuesday, but should be fine to practice this week and could be in line for a start if Mario Manningham (concussion) can’t get cleared before Sunday’s game in Philadelphia.

Much like Michael Vick on Sunday night, Manningham was unable to pass his baseline tests last night and was therefore not cleared to return. He’ll have to follow the NFL protocol for concussions in order to play on Sunday, something that may be difficult on a short week. Domenik Hixon is Manningham’s backup.