New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski became the latest victim of the injury-bug on Thursday when he suffered a left leg injury during team workouts. The injury comes hot off the heels of another significant injury, an Achilles’ tendon injury by San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree earlier in the week.
“He kind of got (his leg rolled up on) and so we are taking a look at that,” head coach Tom Coughlin said. “I said a few prayers and I’ll continue until I hear what it is.”
According to team sources, Hynoski injured his left leg in a collision with running back Andre Brown. Team physician Dr. Russell Warren has since examined the player and taken an MRI on the leg in question. Results of the testing show an injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a chip fracture to the lateral plateau. The Giants fullback is slated to undergo surgery on Friday to repair the ligament and fracture, and no timetable has been given on his return.
Despite a heavily reduced workload in the off-season and a limit on contact drills per the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, the last few days have already proven that football can be an unforgiving game.
The list of key players injured thus far also include Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Greg Scruggs, who tore his ACL during a routine set of drills, and San Diego Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram, who also tore his ACL. With Crabtree and Hynoski added to the list, the NFL might have to reconsider their safety policy once again.
“I am going to set my mind to being ready for the first game of the regular season,” said Hynoski. “They said that it is not an unrealistic goal, and I will do everything in my power to be ready for the start of the season.”
Hynoski appeared in all 16 games for the Giants last season. Though he is not a significant offensive loss, he did carry the ball five times for 20 yards and caught 11 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. It is what Hynoski brings as a blocker that the Giants will miss. Tight end Bear Pascoe will likely pick up the duty in the backfield if Hynoski is going to miss a significant portion of time.
