It’s unclear how long defensive leader Antonio Pierce will be out for the Giants with a bulging disc in his neck. The situation was serious enough for Giants coach Tom Coughlin to release a statement Saturday.
“Our concern is for AP, and we are here to support him,” Coach Tom Coughlin said. “He is, obviously, very disappointed, and our thoughts are about him and his well-being right now.”
The Giants face a crossroads game with a similarly banged-up, slumping 5-4 Falcons squad. Coughlin expects Pierce’s support.
“We won’t have AP on the field, but we will have him on the sideline, and we’ll have his heart and his leadership there to rally the troops --- all the troops, defense, offense and special teams,” Coughlin said. “Hopefully through treatment and doing what needs to be done, he will get back quicker than anybody expects.”
The Giants defense has lost key parts for various stretches of the season, but was finally looking healthy after its bye. Chris Canty and Michael Boley are finally healthy, and the team hopes for cornerback Aaron Ross to make his season debut Sunday.
Chase Blackburn will fill in for Pierce at middle linebacker.
