Shaun

O'Hara

He was receiving treatment for a staph infection and reportedly lost weight. He hasn’t been ruled out for week nine.

O’Hara admits he doesn’t know when he’ll return to action. Ex-Packer Grey Ruegamer would start in his place if O’Hara misses Week 1.

New York’s starter should be ready for Week 1.

35-year-old O’Hara has decided to hang up his cleats after 11 years and 151 games in the NFL. Plagued by foot issues, O’Hara sat out last season after being limited to just six games in 2010. A three-time Pro Bowler, he spent seven years with the Giants, and four with the Browns.

He didn’t travel with the team. The Giants offensive line began to look shaky last week. Wayne Lucier will start in his place.

The Jets will be facing two of the league’s best nose tackles in Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata and New England’s Vince Wilfork in weeks four and five, so upgrading Baxter will be a must if he bombs in Oakland and Mangold proves to be slow healing. The Dolphins are the only team known to have worked out O’Hara since he was released by the Giants.

His absence was an underrated part of Eli Manning’s struggles last week. The rookie signal-caller can use an experienced center to help him out.

Center Shaun O’Hara has the same injury. Both are uncertain to play against Tampa Bay next week, but O’Hara would seem to have the better chance. Gerris Wilkinson did play well in place of Mitchell late against New England.

O’Hara limped through the locker room after Saturday night’s game. Grey Ruegamer would likely move to center if O’Hara can’t play against Tampa.