David Wilson will not be running the ball for the Giants any time soon.
Although an MRI exam Monday revealed the herniated disk in his neck is improving, Wilson was not given the go-ahead to return to the field. This comes as no surprise, as the second-year running back has missed the past three games, and the Giants have never strayed from their contention he is dealing with a serious physical issue.
In addition to the problem with his disk, Wilson also has spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal cord.
Wilson, out since Oct. 6, had the MRI exam at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He was also reevaluated by team physicians Russell Warren and Frank Cammisa, who determined Wilson has shown “significant improvement with the herniation.’’ Wilson, though, was not cleared to resume football activities, and will undergo another evaluation in several weeks.
It is quite possible the Giants eventually will determine Wilson sit out the remainder of the season.
“We’re anxious to say that he’s perfectly healthy, to be honest with you,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said. “We don’t even want to think about the other part of it.’’
While they again face a week without their 2012 first-round draft pick, the Giants are expected to welcome back Andre Brown, who has been on the short-term physically unable to perform list after re-breaking his left leg in the preseason.
There was nothing positive about that injury but there is this:
“I got fresh legs,’’ Brown said. “I have very fresh legs.’’
Those legs figure to get moving this week, as Brown can be activated and put on the active roster. That is the expected course of action, and Brown is expected to fill a role on offense for the Giants when they face the Raiders Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants have until Thursday to activate DT Markus Kuhn off the PUP list or leave him on the list for the remainder of the season. Given the depth at the position, Kuhn could very likely miss the entire season, even though he said he is ready to return.
“Sure, it would definitely be disappointing, but we’ll see what happens,’’ Kuhn said. “If you’re on IR you can’t even practice anymore. I’d like to see more repetitions and all that stuff to get better because I know that will help me out and improve me more. But we’ll see.’’
RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, as did DT Shaun Rogers (knee). WR Victor Cruz came out of the game against the Eagles with a neck issue, but participated in practice. … CB Corey Webster (groin) remains out. … CB Brandon Jones (Rutgers) was signed to the practice squad. … Former Giants TE Jake Ballard signed with the Cardinals. He tore up his knee in Super Bowl XLVI and then failed to stick with the Patriots after they claimed him off waivers.