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The season is over for New York Giants' safety Stevie Brown, who has a torn ACL. Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the news.
Brown was injured late in the first quarter when he intercepted an overthrown Geno Smith pass. He collapsed untouched on the return, apparently having caught his foot in the MetLife Stadium turf.
Brown started 11 games for the Giants last season after being signed as a free agent and intercepted eight passes. He added two fumble recoveries to his resume.
This season Brown was slated to become a full-time starter after the Giants let Kenny Phillips leave via free agency, eventually signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coughlin says "I feel badly for him'' about Stevie Brown. "We'll definitely miss him. But we'll continue, that's what we do.'' #nyg
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) August 25, 2013
How Will Giants Replace Brown?
Antrel Rolle is back to practice after an ankle injury and expects to be ready for the season-opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys. With Brown down, what are the Giants' options for replacing him?
Start Ryan Mundy. The veteran safety, signed as a free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been the replacement for Rolle while he convalesces. It seems logical that once Rolle returns Mundy would simply slide to the other safety spot.
What about Tyler Sash? Sash could move into the lineup, but it seems more likely that he becomes the primary backup and Mundy starts.
What about depth? David Caldwell played 16 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2011, starting 13. Until now it's seemed unlikely there was a roster spot for him despite the fact he has played fairly well during preseason. That may have changed. Rookie fifth-round pick Cooper Taylor missed significant time with a hamstring injury and did not play Saturday night. It seems unlikely the Giants would look to him to play a major role.
The Giants could also consider moving Terrell Thomas, who came out of Saturday's game OK, to safety. Or, at least, getting him some reps there in the event they need him.
Finally, Brown's injury would seem to put the Giants in a spot where they have to keep Will Hill despite his having to serve his second four-game suspension in as many seasons.
What about Phillips? The former Giants' No. 1 draft pick is apparently not a lock to make the Eagles' roster. Despite his ongoing knee issues, would the Giants consider bringing him back if the Eagles turn him loose?