The reason for Nicks' absence is unclear since the wide receiver has not spoken out. But entering the final year of his contract, there is speculation that Nicks is trying to send the Giants a message about getting a new deal done. 

Nicks spoke to head coach Tom Coughlin prior to the OTAs and left the impression that the wide receiver would participate.

Coughlin spoke to the media on Thursday and expressed his frustration with Nicks absence, calling it a "product of our system."

Also absent from the OTAs is wide receiver Victor Cruz, who is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Giants.

With Cruz and Nicks out of the picture, the Giants receiving corps is left thin. Wide receiver Rueben Randle, who had 19 receptions last season, is quarterback Eli Manning's most experienced target in camp.

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