In what seems like a yearly occurrence, the Giants have lost a player for the season before training camp even begins. Wide receiver and, more importantly, return specialist Dominik Hixon tore his ACL on the turf at the New Meadowlands Stadium during practice Tuesday. The injury was thought to be only a strain at first, but tests Wednesday revealed the real damage. The Giants seemingly have the depth at WR to replace Hixon, but it is in the return game that he will be missed. GM Jerry Reese said of replacing Hixon, “We have kick returners. My concern would be as a punt returner.” I'm not sure who Reese is thinking will return kick-offs, but I think his point is kick returners are a dime a dozen. Punt returning is more of an art. Reese mentioned Mario Manningham and Aaron Ross as potential replacements. Antrel Rolle and Sinorice Moss (ok, stop laughing) are also options. The Giants may be reluctant to take a risk with Rolle, Manningham will undoubtedly do something stupid--like call for a fair catch at the 2 yard line--and Moss is, generally speaking, an awful football player. . Ross is an intriguing option if he can stay healthy. Remember, there is a good chance he will be relegated to nickel back with Terrell Thomas taking his starting job. If that's the case, it seems you could take a chance with him back there. In any event, Moss may be the only one happy about this injury as the loss of Hixon increases his chances of making the roster (he's gone from no f'ing chance to slight f'ing chance).
It's concerning that this injury occurred the first time the players set foot on the field turf at the new stadium. Quite a few players commented that the turf was too soft, probably the result of the rubber not yet being pressed down (i.e. broken in) yet. I'll leave the natural grass/field turf debate alone, and just say that hopefully this is not a sign of things to come.
Hixon will be missed. He's been a playmaker since he got here, and he will not be easily replaced. Sadly, I'm not sure if we'll see him in a Giants uniform again. If I were in charge, I'd welcome this guy back anytime, but you know how it goes in the NFL. Get well soon Hix.
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What do you think of Ramses Barden this year? Unrelated sports question, do you think Oscar Primavera will ever get called up to the MLB?
ReplyDeleteI think Barden will probably be misused by Gilbride. I'll get to the receivers soon.
ReplyDeleteLast I heard Oscar was training in Mexico. I think a lot of teams could benefit from a solid utility player with an uncanny ability to draw HP's and get on base.
I heard he obliterated the Hit by Pitch record in the Mexican leagues. His trot to first after being hit can only be rivaled by Reggie Jackson's home run trot.
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