At some point the Giants might have to protect Chris Snee from himself. The problem is, Snee at half his usual effectiveness, might be better than what has been stockpiled on the bench at guard, which isn’t much.
Snee starting at right guard is supposed to be one of the building blocks the Giants can count on, in good times and bad. Snee, though, is hurting and may not be able to stay on the field much longer.
The nine-year veteran did not play well in Carolina. Coach Tom Coughlin afterward said Snee and center David Baas are dealing with physical “issues’’ that need attention, which undoubtedly had something to do with the terrible performance of the offensive line — which allowed seven sacks of Eli Manning, six in the first quarter.
Snee underwent surgery on his left hip in the offseason and, according to a source, an MRI exam this week revealed there is no new injury. The hip, though, is “still pretty sore and inflamed,’’ according to the source, adding “the hope is that it calms down and lets him get back to playing to his standard.’’
How badly did if affect Snee in the game?
“It really limited him in the game on Sunday and if it doesn’t calm down, we are going to have to do something,’’ the source said.
If Snee’s hip does not respond to rest and treatment, it is likely he will have to be shut down for a time. The Giants are not deep on the offensive line. They have James Brewer and Brandon Mosley in reserve at guard, plus backup center Jim Cordle can also play guard. None ever has made an NFL start. Snee, 31, has been a durable workhorse, starting all 141 games he has played for the Giants, plus all 11 in the postseason