EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Cornerback Walter Thurmond III and wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan, who had each started one of the Giants’ first two games, were today placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Thurmond underwent successful surgery this morning to repair his torn pectoral muscle. The operation was performed by team physician Dr. Russell Warren at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.
Thurmond was brought over from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason to cover the slot position. New York signed him not just for his ability to play all over the defense, but for his veteran leadership and advice. Thurmond is a five year pro and won a Super Bowl ring last year in Seattle where he started his first four seasons. The Giants will look for Trumaine McBride to fill in for the injured Thurmond and will most likely get his first opportunity Sunday at home vs the Texans.
“It’s very unfortunate. Walter, we were looking forward to him being a great player for us in our secondary. Like I said, it’s very unfortunate but we have to find a way to move on as professionals. I think we have guys that are going to step in. Right now this week, it’s going to be Trumaine McBride and I have all the confidence in the world in him,” said Giant’s safety Antrel Rolle.
Jernigan has a mid-foot sprain. He was examined by Dr. Martin J. O’Malley, a foot and ankle specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Jernigan will not undergo surgery. He will wear a protective boot and rehabilitate the foot.
Jernigan is a four year veteran and brought experience to a young receiving core. The Giants 2011 third round draft choice caught six passes in two games this season.
Linebacker Jon Beason, aggravated his previous foot injury. Beason may visit foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. later this week. Dr. Anderson examined Beason’s foot when he suffered the original injury in June.
Beason who returned from the foot injury just in time for the season left in the second half of Sundays game. He was seem wearing a walking boot after the game. For now it looks like the Giants escaped what could have been a more serious injury and Beason seems like he will play this weekend vs Houston. It’s an important game that will rely on their linebacker position with Houston running back Arian Foster off to a strong start this season.
The team also signed wide receiver Julian Talley and linebacker Dan Fox off their practice squad to fill in the holes at their injured positions.
Fox was signed as a free agent rookie from Notre Dame and played in all five preseason games recording five tackles. He will bring depth to the linebacker position who are also dealing with an injury to rookie standout, Devon Kennard.
The Giants terminated the contract of defensive end Jordan Stanton and signed wide receivers Travis Harvey and L’Damian Washington to their practice squad, leaving one spot open on their ten man squad.
Bobby O’Hara: PureSportsNY