New York Giants Offensive Lineman Justin Pugh Done for the Season Due to Back Injury
The good news is that New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh won't have to go under the knife to repair the damage on his back. The bad news is that he's not going to play again this season because he has been placed on the injured reserve list.
"We did it the right way," Giants interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo said after Thursday's practice, via the team's official website. "(Senior vice president of medical services) Ronnie (Barnes) and his staff went out, checked it, made sure. So now at least we know," he continued.
Pugh originally hurt his back during the Giants' 24–7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 22. He sat out the next game, but he return to the field when they took on the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 12. Unfortunately, he couldn't finish the game.
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After missing the last four games, Pugh went to Los Angeles to get a second opinion from renowned spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins and he was told that surgery wasn't required, but his back needed rest and rehab.
"I would think any guy that's in that situation would be a little bit bummed out. You'd have to ask him specifically, but he's a football player, likes playing the game and I'm sure he's disappointed he's not going to play the rest of the season," Spagnuolo added.
Pugh only played in eight games this season, but he has shown his versatility by starting three games at left guard and five at right tackle. The former Syracuse University standout has started all 63 games he has appeared in since he joined the Giants in 2013.
Pugh is set to become a free agent after the season and the Giants may want to re-sign him. However, they will have to face a lot of competition because Pugh's expected to draw a lot of interest in the open market.
