EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Getting a lot of questions this week about Hakeem Nicks, the former first-round pick and Super Bowl champion wide receiver who signed back with the New York Giants during their bye. I understand the curiosity. He's a familiar name, many fans remember him fondly for good reason, and there's always a sense that someone new can help.

Based on what I've learned this week, though, I'd caution against hoping for too much too soon from Nicks. I'm not even sure you should expect him to be active for Sunday's game in Washington. This is a different Giants offense from the one Nicks knew when he was here and Kevin Gilbride was the offensive coordinator, and the Giants have been working in practice this week to figure out what, if anything, Nicks can offer them right away.

"Well, we're going to have to find that out," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Wednesday. "That's what this week's practice is all about. We have him on scout team, doing a lot of things so we can see how he plays in that regard. And then we'll have to judge how fast he comes along with learning. The experience, etc. will help him, but nevertheless, it's a different offense."

Nicks was added to the roster in place of Victor Cruz, who'd been inactive for every game before finally going on injured reserve during the Giants' Week 11 bye. So it's not as though they need another wide receiver on their game-day roster. For Nicks to be active, the Giants likely would have to deactivate Geremy Davis or Myles White, each of whom plays on special teams. Nicks does not play on special teams, so the team has to be certain his contribution on offense can be significant enough to warrant weakening their return and/or coverage units.

"Whatever opportunity they give me, I'm going to take it and exceed it," Nicks said.

It just may be a week or so before he can reasonably expect to get that opportunity. If at all.