NFL

Giants’ Schwartz could be lost for season

The Giants need a new left guard.

They will be without Geoff Schwartz for quite some time, and possibly the entire season, after the veteran offensive lineman went down with a dislocated toe in Friday night’s preseason victory over the Jets.

Schwartz, following an MRI exam administered by the Giants, was given about four different medical options, according to a source. In order to get some clarity, he will head to Charlotte, N.C., in the coming days to consult with foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, someone the Giants frequently use as an expert opinion.

The best-case scenario is Schwartz is out four-to-six weeks. There is a 6- to 10-week possibility, which would make him a candidate for short-term injured reserve and a return after the first six games of the regular season. After playing for the Panthers, Vikings and Chiefs, the 28-year-old signed a four-year, $16.8 million contract, with $6.2 million guaranteed.

“Losing Geoff is a major disappointment,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said Saturday. “Let’s not jump to conclusions, let’s see what happens when the evaluation is completed as to what the length of time is involved.’’

The replacement figures to be rookie Weston Richburg, the second-round pick from Colorado State. Richburg was challenging Brandon Mosley for the starting spot at right guard, but now it appears the Giants will be forced to use both Richburg and Mosley as starters. The other options on the roster are veteran and former Dolphin John Jerry — who has not been overly impressive — or Dallas Reynolds.


Coughlin said CB Prince Amukamara (groin) has started running and may be able to practice this week. RB Peyton Hillis (ankle) also may try to get on the field. As for rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring), Coughlin said, “Haven’t heard whether Beckham will get any type of work. They say that progress is being made.’’

DT Markus Kuhn has what Coughlin described as “a little bit of an ankle sprain that may hobble him this week.’’

The chances for rookie WR Marcus Harris were dealt a tough blow with an AC joint shoulder injury that will sideline him three-to-four weeks.

At the start of the summer, it was very unlikely rookie WR Corey Washington, from Newberry College, had much of a chance to stick on the roster. Now it might be a certainty he makes it after four touchdown catches in four preseason games.

“Any time anybody plays in a superb fashion it gets your attention,’’ Coughlin said. “Of course he has one area he’s done very well, that is he will go up and get the ball. That’s very noticeable.’’


Some roster machinations: Not a good sign for second-year RB Michael Cox that he had just two snaps on offense (no rushing attempts) and, more significantly, no snaps on special teams.

Kendall Gaskins, a practice-squad member last year, got 14 special-teams snaps, which is always a key for reserve running backs.

There does not appear to be any way for Mario Manningham to stay around. His knee has not responded and he is hardly a pass-catching threat anymore. Plus, he does not play special teams.

The Giants were called for 10 penalties vs. the Jets, 13 the week before vs. the Colts and 10 in the second game vs. the Steelers. One specific call irks Coughlin most of all.

“We really do have to clean up the hands to the face, OK?’’ he said.