The Giants have a tough hill to climb on Sunday and it got a little tougher on their second offensive possession.
Rich Seubert, starting at center once again in place of injured starter Shaun O’Hara, was carted off the field after injuring his leg. Seubert was pass blocking on a completion to Derek Hagan when his right leg collapsed under him. It was clear that Seubert was in a great deal of pain from both his face and the way he was grabbing the medical staff who came to his assistance.
The Giants announced that the injury is a dislocated kneecap, which means we’ve seen the last of Seubert this season. If there’s other damage, it could be even longer before Seubert is able to return to action.
It’s a big loss for the Giants, who need to win and get a Packers loss to advance to the playoffs. Seubert, the longest tenured member of the Giants, had a very solid season at both guard and center. He was, in fact, much better than O’Hara, whose Pro Bowl selection is yet another sign that the NFL’s All-Star Game is largely a mockery of the idea of rewarding the best players in the league. Kevin Boothe has replaced Seubert at center.
Lawrence Tynes hit a field goal shortly after Seubert’s injury to give the Giants a 3-0 lead.