G-Men Notables: Hixon Named Team’s No. 3 Wide Receiver, Coe Will Start At Corner

The Giants are set with their roster and are now preparing for Wednesday’s season opener against their division rival Dallas Cowboys. If there is an area of concern heading into the season it’s definitely at the cornerback position. Meanwhile on the offensive side of the ball, everyone knows that Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are the 1-2 punch for Eli Manning’s passing attack. However, the question throughout the preseason was who would emerge as the No. 3 receiver? It appears the Giants have their guy.

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride has confirmed that Domenik Hixon will start as the third wide receiver. Hixon was pretty much the front runner for the position throughout camp and he’s a veteran who knows what the Giants expect out of the position. It would be a great story if Hixon is able to have a breakout season. He’s put himself back into the mix this summer after two consecutive seasons with torn ACL’s derailed his playing career.

Hixon most likely will fill the void created by the departure of free agent Mario Manningham. He has big-play potential and with Nicks lined up on the opposite side it allows for Cruz to stay in the slot position where he had so much success last season. It’s important to remember that the Giants also can put Ramses Barden, Rueben Randle, and Jerrel Jernigan in on certain situations, so the depth is definitely there in the passing attack.

Injuries to Prince Amukamara (high ankle sprain) and Terrell Thomas (ACL) have forced the Giants to rely on unproven players to step up and seize the moment in their defensive secondary.

Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell has confirmed that Michael Coe will be the starter against Dallas at cornerback in place of Amukamara. The Giants are impressed with Coe’s speed and mental toughness. Coe isn’t exactly a new face to the league, he’s 28 years old and entering his sixth season in the NFL. This will be his first ever NFL start after enduring through injuries and being waived by the Colts, Jaguars, and Giants in his first stint with the team.

Coe will get to play opposite veteran Corey Webster and he knows that Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will most likely try to test him early by throwing in his direction as much as they can.

The Giants are also expecting to have rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley ready to play on Wednesday night. Hosley suffered a turf toe injury that cut short his preseason, however he’s going to be counted on to be ready to go.

As for Amukamara, the Giants are holding out hope that the he’ll be ready to go in week 2 against Tampa Bay. Thomas was placed on injured reserve for the second consecutive year ending his season before it can start.