The game ball the Giants dedicated to tight end Daniel Fells is likely the last one he’ll ever earn.
According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, a source close to Fells believes that the damage done to Fells’ foot from a MRSA infection are such that his “playing days are all but over.”
Fells has already had five surgeries, and more are on tap as doctors try to fight the infection. While there were reports that he had lost part of his foot, the Daily News reports that is not the case.
Still, the source said “I would be really surprised” if he plays football again.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin was upbeat about Fells’ chance for a recovery, saying it was his understanding that the tight end’s condition was improving, and that he had shown steady improvement after the infection had spread to a bone in his leg and another procedure was performed to stop it.
“I don’t think he’s out of the woods,” Coughlin said. “I didn’t say that. I think these three straight days are really a wonderful sign, but there are more tests to be done. And again the response to the antibiotic is critical.”
Fells has been hospitalized since Oct. 2, but the Giants connected him to Monday’s team meeting via Skype to share the news about the game ball with him.
“Everyone was able to cheer him on and try to make him feel better,” Coughlin said. “He was very nice in saying that he watched the game and he was very proud of how we finished it.”
Now, they have to support his recovery to health, if his football playing days are indeed finished.