Chris Snee’s iron-man streak is over.
The Giants right guard has been ruled out for tomorrow’s home matchup with the Bills, snapping a string of 101 consecutive regular-season starts for Snee dating to the 2004 season, the second-longest active stretch on the team behind Eli Manning’s 108.
Snee remains sidelined after suffering a concussion — believed to be the first of his career — on the final drive of last Sunday’s 36-25 home loss to the Seahawks and will be replaced against the Bills by primary offensive-line backup Kevin Boothe.
Snee was just one of several high-profile players declared out by coach Tom Coughlin. He joins defensive end Justin Tuck (neck and groin), running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) and fullback Henry Hynoski (concussion) on the list of key pieces who won’t play. Rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara, who has yet to suit up this season because of a broken foot, also was ruled out.
Mathias Kiwanuka could move from outside linebacker to end to fill in for Tuck, while DJ Ware should get carries in place of Jacobs behind starter Ahmad Bradshaw. Backup tight end Bear Pascoe, meanwhile, doubles as the backup fullback.
The injury news wasn’t all dire, however, because center David Baas (neck) and long snapper Zak DeOssie (concussion) both practiced. They were listed as questionable on the injury report, but appear likely to play against the Bills.
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Snee’s health is of even greater concern to Coughlin because he is the coach’s son-in-law.
Coughlin said he is able to separate his feelings about Snee as a coach and as a father-in-law when the two are at work, but Coughlin admitted Snee is not just another player to him.
“I will check up on him every once in a while,” Coughlin said. “I have my source [daughter Kate, Snee’s wife].”
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The Giants won’t be the only team at MetLife Stadium tomorrow ravaged by injury.
The 4-1 Bills will limp into the matchup, too, and most likely without pass-rush specialist Shawne Merriman after he was listed as doubtful with an injured shoulder and Achilles’ tendon.
Offensive tackle Demetrius Bell (shoulder), wideout Donald Jones (ankle), linebacker Chris Kelsay (calf) and cornerback Aaron Williams (chest) all were officially ruled out.
There is an outside chance two other important defensive pieces, linebacker Nick Barnett (ankle) and tackle Kyle Williams (foot), don’t play, either. Both are listed as questionable.
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The Giants had not made a move to fill the roster spot created by defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy’s PED suspension, but Coughlin said it would come from the practice squad in time for tomorrow’s game.