The Giants were so proud they made it through the past two days of practice with their entire roster in action.
And then, Friday afternoon, they learned one of their team leaders is out indefinitely.
Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, who practiced fully all week long and was not listed on the injury report, underwent an MRI on his neck this afternoon. The test revealed a bulging disc that will keep Pierce out of Sunday's game against the Falcons - and likely many more. An injury like this is often a season-ending one, though someone familiar with Pierce's injury said the Giants are hopeful the bulging disc will subside a bit and Pierce will be able to return in six weeks or so.
But that's the best case scenario and there's certainly a chance Pierce's fate could be similar to that of Browns linebacker Eric Barton, whose season ended earlier this month when he was placed on injured reserve with a bulging disc in his neck.
Fifth-year veteran Chase Blackburn will likely take over for Pierce.
The team said Pierce suffered a burner in the Oct. 25 game against the Cardinals and didn't experience any pain until this week. He didn't believe the injury to be serious until Friday's tests.
“I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon,” Pierce said in a quote released by the team. “I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn't think it was that serious. I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible.”
Pierce, who turned 31 last month, is signed through next season. At his age and with an injury like this, the Giants will surely begin to think about the future of their defense. Jonathan Goff, their fifth-round pick in 2008, has shown promise in limited action during the preseason and has made a few big hits on special teams, but he's a long way from being the commanding leader Pierce has been. Contiune
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