While the full Madden NFL 13 ratings won't be released until late August, the quarterback ratings have been revealed. Aaron Rodgers is the highest rated quarterback in the game with rating of 99. There are eight other quarterbacks rated 90 or higher. Eli Manning of the Giants is rated 97, higher than older brother Peyton Manning, who has a rating of 93 overall heading into his first season with the Broncos. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo and Michael Vick round out the top-10.

Terrell Thomas suffered an injury to his surgically repaired right ACL and likely will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to determine the injury's severity. A source said it is believed that Thomas suffered a partial tear of his ACL. Thomas was expected to start for the Giants at cornerback.

Hakeem Nicks has suffered no setbacks with his surgically repaired toe. The Giants wide receiver is still on schedule to return to practice sometime in mid-August. "Definitely," Nicks said when asked if his recovery is going as planned on Sunday. "No setbacks, everything is going the way we planned. Were just sticking to the things that doctors and trainers told us to do." "(Mid-August) sounds about right if that is what they are saying," Nicks added. "I am seeing the doctors day in and day out. Everything looks good about it."

The Giants are still open to giving Victor Cruz a contract extension. The wide receiver, who broke out last season, is entering the final year of his deal worth $540,000 and has said he would like a new contract. "It could happen," general manager Jerry Reese said. "All those options are open. I just think Victor is focused on being a good football player again. The contract situation will take care of itself."

Martellus Bennett has expressed hatred for the Cowboys, the team he left for the Giants. "I just want to kick those guys' asses," the tight end said on the first day of camp. "That is what it is all about. I mean we are cool but we ain't that cool, know what I am saying? I kind of got some ill feelings towards them overall. It is a game, I kind of hate everybody, honestly, in the NFL." Later, Bennett clarified: "I have ill feelings toward everybody. It is not just Dallas. Pretty much anybody who doesn't play with us, I pretty much don't like 'em. I don't like a lot of people. I am kind of an (expletive) but it is cool."

Deon Grant expects to re-sign with the Giants during training camp. The Giants often used three safeties on the field at the same time, as Grant played alongside starters Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. “This is the first year in three or four years – and this was the longest one – that I can say I came out completely healthy,” Grant said. “I revamped everything and my body feels wonderful right now.”

Victor Cruz has enjoyed some celebrity this offseason, but the Giants wide receiver insists that he won't get sidetracked. His New York coaches noticed, complimenting Cruz for not skipping a beat during the team's minicamp in mid-June. "It's just understanding that it's not over," Cruz said. "I still got some years ahead of me, I still got goals that I want to reach. It's a short window in this league. I just got to approach every day like it's my last."

The Eagles were labeled as the "Dream Team" heading into the 2011 season, but things ended badly for Michael Vick's team. Coming off yet another Super Bowl victory, Vick says that the rival Giants are the "team to beat" whether it be in the NFC East or across the league.

The University of North Carolina has admitted that Hakeem Nicks was ineligible when he played his final season at the school in 2008. According to NCAA documents, Nicks received improper academic help in spring 2008 from a tutor. Nicks, one of the stars of New York's Super Bowl run last season, could not be reached for comment, but his agent, Peter Schaffer, said, "We have no knowledge of that whatsoever. It's low on the totem pole of relevant issues."

Terrell Thomas has been medically cleared for training camp some 11 months after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Giants cornerback suffered the injury during a preseason game against the Bears last year. "I have no limitations entering camp; obviously (medical staff) will be monitoring me throughout camp," Thomas said. "The road just started; I have a lot of work to do," he added. "I just want to let you know that I have been working real hard. I am determined to get to the same form as last year and to be a great addition to our secondary."