Just when Giants fans thought the injury situation couldn't get worse, the team announced WR Amani Toomer will miss the remainder of the season with a partially torn ACL. The news seemed to come as an absolute shock as Toomer returned to the field on Sunday after he experienced pain in the knee. While it is only a partial tear, which meant Toomer could have elected to rehab the knee over surgery, he opted for the procedure that will sideline him until 2007. Toomer's 32 receptions on the year are tied for the team lead and his ability to make clutch plays will be sorely missed. As a long time fan of number 81, we are all hoping for a full recovery so he can add to his many Giants receiving records.
If there is any silver lining to this, second round draft pick Sinorice Moss returned to practice today and hopefully will return to the lineup on Sunday. If he can play up to his lofty draft status, he should be one of several players that need to step up in Toomer's absence. Although Toomer's loss should in no way be undervalued, the Giants have won despite losses to their receiving corps in the past. The 2002 Giants, that gelled in to an impressive offensive unit that put up 38 points in a playoff game, were down to Toomer and 7th round draft pick Daryl Jones. There are guys behind Toomer on this year's depth chart, and maybe outside options that could help the Giants survive this injury:
Tim Carter: The #2 wideout position should be his to lose. The Giants 2nd round pick in 2002 has never lived up to expectations. However, he has stayed healthier this year and could be a major weapon with his downfield speed. It is disconcerting that he failed to come up big against an overmatched Texans secondary this weekend, but he should be given every opportunity to fill the void. He has big-play ability, good size, and a good knowledge of this offense.
Sinorice Moss: General Manager Ernie Accorsi traded up to obtain the rights to the former Miami star in the 2006 draft. The organization has high hopes for the diminutive speedster and younger brother of Giant rival Santana Moss. He has only seen the field in one game this year, tallying one catch for four yards. Moss has been hampered by a quadricep injury he suffered at the NFL Combine in February. Widely considered as a top 3 receiver in this year's draft class, and by many as number one, Moss' big play ability would be a tremendous addition to the offense. Like Carter, should be given ample opportunity for additional reps.
Michael Jennings: Jennings has made the most of his oppotunities since his surprise addition to the 53 man roster out of training camp. The flashy, former track star from Florida State had no previous NFL experience but showed a knack for making big plays in the preseason. He has been used in many of the ways Giants fans expected Moss to be used, with short passes and some end-arounds. Outproduced Tim Carter in last week's 14-10 win over the Texans, but will probably remain lower on the depth chart.
David Tyree: The Giants special teams ace has battled injuries all year and the organization seems content with maintaining his current role. When given extended time as a receiver, Tyree has been impressive. In last season's finale against the Cowboys he lead the team in receptions and scored a touchdown. When Burress missed the second half of the Seahawks game, Tyree again became the main target. He does not possess the speed of Carter, Moss, or Jennings, but he may be more willing to make tough catches in traffic. He would be a good fit as a possession receiver, but it does not seem likely they would risk tiring him out on offense with his special teams prowess.
Anthony Mix: Mix is currently on the Giants practice squad, but spent the entire offseason with Big Blue. He impressed coaches and executives with his stellar play in spring mini-camps, but did not see a lot of action in the preseason. Unlike the receivers on the current roster, he has great size. Listed at 6'5'', it came as a shock to many prognosticators that Mix went undrafted in the 2006 draft out of Auburn. However, it seems unlikely with all the injuries on defense that the team would promote another Wide Receiver. If they do decide to add a receiver, Mix could be an intriguing option.
Charles Rogers: Admittedly, this one is a huge stretch. As previously mentioned, I do not envision the Giants adding a receiver to the roster. However, why not give this guy a look? I'd be remissed, and certainly abused by my college roommate, if I did not mention that his commercials alone warrant him getting a look. We all know his college stats, he's Charles Rogers, he had 68 catches and 13 touchdowns. He showed promise in the NFL before missing time with various injuries and could rejuvenate his career in a new environment. The chance to play for a Super Bowl contender could bring out the best in the former #2 overall pick in the draft. Also, playing alongside fellow Michigan State Alum Plaxico Burress could be a terrific opportunity.
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