NFL

David Wilson may miss rest of Giants season

The neck injury Giants running back David Wilson suffered on the final play of the first quarter Sunday against the Eagles likely is going to keep him off the field for several weeks — and perhaps longer.

Wilson has an issue with a disc in his neck, is undergoing treatment and will seek additional medical advice. He will travel to Los Angeles and on Monday will see neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

Wilson was hurt when defensive end Cedric Thornton dropped him for a 3-yard loss on a play that continued long enough for Wilson to be flung down into the end zone for what could have been ruled a safety but was not.

An NFL source indicated there is great concern Wilson suffered a significant injury that could end his season and might necessitate surgery. Two sources offered conflicting opinions. The first source, very close to the situation, said, “I don’t see that, I’m not hearing that’’ and another added, “We’re a long way from that. It is premature at this point to make any declarations.’’

Coach Tom Coughlin said Wilson experienced a tingling sensation after the injury, which is why he did not return to the 36-21 loss to the Eagles. Later that night, Wilson wrote on Twitter: “I feel good, passed all tests, the doctor just taking extra precautions, be back next week.’’ That is not the case, as Wilson has already been ruled out of Thursday night’s game against the Bears in Chicago.

Neck injuries are obviously troubling and can be quite serious. Peyton Manning missed the 2011 season and needed four surgeries to correct his neck issue. Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka had a bulging and herniated disc in his neck in 2010 and missed the last 13 games of that season. Center David Baas had neck issues two years ago and will miss his third consecutive game Thursday night after re-injuring his neck against the Panthers. Linebacker Dan Connor hurt his neck in the opener, his first game with the Giants, and was put on season-ending injured reserve.

“Got to get it checked out,’’ the first source said of Wilson’s neck. “Make sure he’s good.’’

Wilson attended Tuesday’s practice, watching from the side.

The Giants drafted Wilson with their first-round pick in 2012, nabbing him with the 32nd overall selection out of Virginia Tech, the highest pick the organization used on a running back since Ron Dayne (11th overall) in 2000. In his rookie season, Wilson flashed explosiveness on kickoffs (26.9 yards per return) and in the backfield (5.0 yards per carry), and after moving into a starting role this year, he reeled off an 84-yard touchdown on a preseason run against the Jets.

But in the season opener against the Cowboys, Wilson fumbled twice, and his campaign has been a disaster since. He has rushed for just 146 yards in five games (averaging a lowly 3.3 yards per carry), and while the Giants’ offensive line has admittedly been a mess, Wilson has hardly shined. It wasn’t until Week 5 — Sunday against the Eagles — the 22-year-old scored his first touchdown.