Shaun

Williams

Williams has Pro Bowl potential, but has struggled to stay on the field. His salary climbs to $5.85 million over the next two years and the Giants will likely ask him to take a paycut to stay.

The injury looks like it could be very serious. Losing Williams after losing the other starting safety Omar Stoutmire would be a big blow to the Giants defense.

He’ll have to restructure his contract. If so, New York would have a fine stable of safeties. Their defense is in much better shape than the O.

McCree was a journey before hooking back up with coach John Fox last year. He parlayed the chance into big numbers and a bigger contract in San Diego. Williams is far more talented than McCree and only 29, but has struggled to stay healthy.

Williams delayed surgery on his torn meniscus until Thursday. The Giants will set up a timetable for his return then.

An MRI revealed Williams had a tear to the lateral meniscus. A timetable for his return will be established after the surgery. The Giants are forced to start two reserves at safety, on a fifth-round rookie, Gibril Wilson.

The Giants will place him on injured reserve this week. Gibril Wilson stepped up last week with a big performance in Williams’ place.

New York has lost both starting safeties to season-ending injuries. So far, Brent Alexander and Gibril Wilson have filled in capably.

Williams left the game in the first quarter and did not return.

Williams sat out some practice time last week dealing with the same injury, so this isn’t good news.