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One of the players expected to make a leap in 2013 was Prince Amukamara, but the injury bug may have already dampened the beginning of the year for the New York Giants cornerback.
Against the Dallas Cowboys, Amukamara suffered a concussion, forcing him out of Sunday night's game. The injury occurred when Amukamara's head clashed with Ryan Mundy's as they made a tackle on Terrence Williams.
Before Amukamara can return to practice, he must pass an NFL-mandated concussion test. No. 2 on the depth chart behind the former first-rounder is the veteran Aaron Ross, who the team re-signed from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason.
With Amukamara's status uncertain, the New York Post predicted the team could add Charles James to the 53-man roster. The Post also reports it is "likely Amukamara will not be available" for the Giants' Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos, which is especially problematic considering they'll face a pass-heavy offense led by none other than Peyton Manning, who threw seven touchdown passes in the season opener.
Also exiting early Sunday night was Dan Connor, who drew the start at middle linebacker. Connor was diagnosed with a "burner" and was replaced by Mark Herzlich.
The Record (NJ) reports the Giants could bring back Etienne Sabino, who was a casualty of roster cuts during training camp. Herzlich is the early favorite to start if Connor can't go, though Herzlich was not impressive filling in at middle linebacker Sunday night.
One small piece of good news is it seems Jason Pierre-Paul, who played in the opener following offseason back surgery, did not report any pain after the game.
Pierre-Paul did not start and played mostly on third downs, but he did come up with a sack and a pass reflection. Feeling no pain is a positive sign going forward, as the Giants pass rusher can now work on getting into better shape and having a larger role each week.
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