David Wilson’s season may not be over, much to the relief of the Giants, but that doesn’t mean he is ready to return to the field any time soon.
Wilson on Monday met with neck and spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins for a second opinion of the neck injury that forced Wilson out of the Oct. 6 loss to the Eagles. Watkins did not recommend surgery, according to a source.
That’s the good news. Wilson, though, has a herniated disk in his neck and also spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal. He will continue to receive treatment, but the Giants are not making any declaration about when Wilson might return, as this remains a serious situation as far as the second-year running back’s ability to return this season or to resume his football career.
Wilson was injured on the final play of the first quarter against the Eagles and said for a short period his entire body went numb. Tom Coughlin said the Giants were encouraged Wilson endured a similar neck injury in college at Virginia Tech “which he overcame,’’ the coach said.
The Giants play only two games in a 30-day span, with games upcoming against the Vikings and Eagles before their bye after Week 8.
With Wilson out of action for the time being and Da’Rel Scott sidelined with a strained hamstring, the Giants are down to two running backs, Brandon Jacobs and rookie Michael Cox. Jacobs sat out Monday’s practice with a slight hamstring issue, but said he should be able to work on Thursday, when the winless Giants return to the field to prepare for Monday night’s game against the Vikings.
The Giants bring in several players each Tuesday for workouts and two of them according to reports, will be running backs, Peyton Hillis and Jeremy Wright.
Another player the Giants will take a look at is D.J. Ware, their former reserve running back.
***
Safety Antrel Rolle said he believes the time off helped. “I think it served us well just to go home and get away from the game,’’ Rolle said. “We were able to do that. And also focus on ways that we can get better. Everyone has an insider’s input as to ways that we can get better, and I think it served us well.’’
***
With the Giants not playing until Monday night against the Vikings, they will be off Tuesday and Wednesday. … RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) did not practice on Monday. He slightly tweaked his leg after a carrying the ball 22 times and gaining 106 yards against the Bears. “It’s fine,’’ Jacobs said. “Day to day. Just go in and get treatment and do what I got to do. But I’m not counting on being down.’’
***
C David Baas (neck) was able to participate in individual drills and feels he will be able to play against the Vikings. He has missed the past three games and Coughlin said, “Not quite, but close’’ when asked if Baas has been cleared to return. “Felt really good today, looking forward to doing more,’’ Baas said. “Talk to the doctors, coaches, see how much I’m going to do on Thursday, but looking forward to getting out there and getting things going.’’
***
CB Corey Webster (groin) sat out again. He has missed the last four games. CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring) and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder) also did not practice. … For the first time since spraining his foot in the preseason, TE Adrien Robinson was on the field participating in practice.