New York Giants star defensive end Justin Tuck said Tuesday that he expects to play Monday night against the St. Louis Rams. Tuck missed Sunday's season-opening loss to the Washington Redskins with a neck injury.
"I feel as though I could've gave it a shot on Sunday," Tuck said, "but the doctor said there were some things that they were still worried about as far as going out there and banging it up and missing three or four games.
"Hopefully this week we see a tremendous improvement in it and I'll be out there on Monday. I think the pain level has dropped tremendously."
Tuck, however, will not be allowed to play until he is cleared by doctors.
"It's getting better," Tuck said. "It's a situation where you don't wanna go out there when it's too early and kind of bang it up. It's still a little irritated, but you don't wanna bang it up and cause (further injury)."
Giants' wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has a bone bruise on his knee and his status for Monday night is uncertain.