CANTON, Ohio — Running back David Wilson has maintained an incredibly upbeat and positive attitude throughout his rehab and recovery from neck surgery.
He continued to look on the bright side with a tweet on Saturday, when he posted, “Less than 24 hours away then I can be back out there [with] my team.’’ He also posted a picture of himself running with the football.
Wilson was left behind in New Jersey when the Giants traveled for Sunday night’s preseason opener, a 17-13 victory over the Bills in the Hall of Fame Game. Wilson suffered a neck burner last week in practice and on Monday will meet with his neck surgeon, Dr. Frank Cammisa, at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
The Giants are hoping this latest setback will not completely compromise Wilson’s comeback, but there is fear it could be a major issue moving forward.
New Hall of Famer Michael Strahan was mobbed by the entire Giants team prior to the game, and fellow new Hall of Famer Andre Reed was similarly encircled by the Bills. Jim Kelly, the former Bills quarterback who is currently battling cancer, participated in the opening coin toss.
Veteran TE Daniel Fells’ bid to make the roster took a hit when he was forced out with a sprained knee. … The first subs for the Giants on the offensive line were Dallas Reynolds at center and rookie Weston Richburg at left guard. … Second-year DE Damontre Moore had a 6-yard sack of Jeff Tuel in the second quarter. Rookie DEs Kerry Wynn and Jordan Stanton also had sacks. … WR Marcus Harris (four catches for 49 yards) showed flashes.
Special teams slop: Steve Weatherford had a punt blocked when Cooper Taylor failed to impede Marcus Easley. Taylor came back with an end-zone interception off a pass deflected by CB Zack Bowman. … CB Jayron Hosley, facing a four-game suspension to start the season for violating the NFL’s illegal drug policy, had a rough game and faces an uphill battle to stick on the roster.
In addition to Wilson, 11 players did not make the trip because of injuries: DE Robert Ayers, LB Jon Beason, WR Odell Beckham Jr., LT Will Beatty, TE Xavier Grimble, G Eric Herman, KR Trindon Holliday, CB Bennett Jackson, CB Trumaine McBride, DT Mike Patterson and LB Spencer Paysinger.
Charles Brown, signed from the Saints, started at left tackle in place of Beatty. Second-year Johnathan Hankins started at defensive tackle in place of Patterson.
Prize Bills rookie WR Sammy Watkins was targeted three times, but did not have a catch. He went deep once against CB Prince Amukamara, but did not gain the necessary separation. … Rookie S Nat Berhe forced a fumble.