The New York Giants suffered a tough loss against the Washington Redskins on Monday night and got a little bit weaker on the offensive line in the process.
Offensive tackle Sean Locklear left Monday night's 17-16 loss to the Redskins in the fourth quarter after suffering a knee injury while blocking on a play. Locklear injured his right knee and was carted off the field.
The Giants released a statement during the game that said the injury was a "significant knee sprain," but a source has confirmed to USA Today that the injury is serious and could end Locklear's season.
According to USA Today, "Locklear is believed to have torn the ACL and perhaps more" and is likely out for the rest of the season.
Locklear has been an important player for the Giants this season, starting 10 of 12 games at both right and left tackle. He has proven to be versatile and valuable in place of David Diehl, who has missed three games this year while dealing with a knee injury.
Following the game, coach Tom Coughlin did not give any details on the injury, but said that, "It's a knee. It's a knee," according to ESPNNewYork.com.
Diehl came into the game for Locklear after he was injured. The 10-year veteran has been a starter for nine years for the Giants, but Diehl's play has slipped this year following a knee injury in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He missed three games following the injury and has been inconsistent this season.
"I'm definitely healthy enough," said Diehl, who battled a shoulder injury last week, according to USA Today. "Sean deserved to start (Monday). I didn't practice fully until Friday because of my injury from the last game. But I'm definitely ready to go. It's always tough to lose one of your brothers. He's been a great guy for us, a great asset for our football team. It's awful."
Apart from Diehl, the Giants have been solid along the offensive line, even with some inconsistent play from Will Beatty. The line has provided quarterback Eli Manning with time to throw and they have kept him clean for most of the season, allowing just 15 sacks, which is tied for the lowest total in the NFL.
The line has also limited contact to Manning, allowing just 38 quarterback hits, which is the lowest total in the league as well. The Giants are ranked 15h in rushing this season in part because of the play of the offensive line. It's a huge improvement from last year when they were ranked last in the league.
Locklear was signed in April and has been one of the best free-agent signings for the team. He played seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before playing with the Washington Redskins last year.
"I just wish him the best," said fellow offensive lineman Chris Snee to ESPNNewYork.com. "Whatever recovery is ahead of him, I am not quite sure the extent of it, just know it is not good."
He was drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of NC State and has proven to be a versatile player throughout his career, playing on both sides of the line. He signed a five-year extension while with the Seahawks, but was let go when Pete Carroll came in and took over as head coach.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was also injured in the game, taking a hard hit to his nose in the first half after attempting to make a catch.
Nicks didn't miss any time during the game, but it was clear that he had a bruise on his nose and that blood cam out from the hit.
"I don't know what happened, but blood was spewing everywhere," Nicks said. "I think I just landed right on my face," Nicks said to the NY Daily News. "That's what caused it."
Nicks is an essential playmaker for the Giants, but he has been slowed by foot and knee injuries this season. He is getting very close to fully healthy and showed some of his usual burst against the Redskins.
While missing time with injuries, Nicks has made 46 receptions for 585 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest game came in the 41-34 Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he caight 10 balls for 199 yards and a touchdown.
Safety Kenny Phillips played a limited role in Monday night's game after being listed as doubtful on the injury report. Phillips injured his knee last week against the Green Bay Packers, but convinced coaches that he could play.
Phillips only entered the game on a limited basis and played some special team plays. The Giants took a cautious route with Phillips in the hopes of keeping him healthy for the final stretch of the season.
The team also lost safety Tyler Sash to a hamstring injury in the first half of the game. Sash recently was reinstated following a four-game suspension for using Adderral and did not return after leaving the game.
