Ward, Hixon, Robbins return to practice for Giants

Dec 18, 2008 - 10:15 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The New York Giants saw a trio of injured players - running back Derrick Ward, wide receiver Domenik Hixon and defensive tackle Fred Robbins - return to practice Thursday after missing the previous day's workout.

The Super Bowl champion Giants (11-3) hope to have all three players healthy for Sunday night's contest against the Carolina Panthers (11-3), a game that will determine home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

"They did OK," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "We will look at the tape and be able to have a sense of how each guy, based on where their problems are, how well they did. But they were all out there and they are excited to be out there, too."

Ward, who has been hampered by an ankle injury, has rushed for 733 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Hixon, who is battling ankle and foot injuries, has replaced the injured Plaxico Burress in the starting lineup. He has 35 catches for 463 yards and a TD this season.

Robbins missed last week's loss to Dallas with a shoulder injury. The nine-year veteran has 30 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks this year.