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Justin Pugh is out for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Giants offensive lineman is reportedly headed for another examination of his ailing back.
#Giants OL Justin Pugh, declared out for Sunday, is seeing back expert Dr. Robert Watkins in California on Tuesday, source said. At last visit, Watkins recommended no surgery, just rest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2017
Pugh has played in only eight games this season due to recurring back issues, and last suited up Week 10 vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
The Giants’ 2013 first-round pick will be a free agent at the end of the season. Injuries have been a constant issue for Pugh, whose only season without missing any games was his rookie year.
At this point, it’s fair to wonder if Pugh will land on injured reserve. The Giants have offensive linemen Adam Bisnowaty, the team’s sixth-round draft choice, along with Nick Becton and Ethan Cooper on the practice squad.
Linebacker B.J. Goodson is also out due to an ankle injury. Goodson returned to the lineup last week after having not played since Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks, but aggravated the ankle injury. Counted on to be the team’s starting middle linebacker, Goodson has played in only six games.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has a finger issue and reportedly may have to once again wear a club on his mangled right hand.
Giants injury report
Out
LB B.J. Goodson (ankle)
OL Justin Pugh (back)
Questionable
CB Eli Apple (back/hip)
RB Orleans Darkwa (illness)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (finger)
WR Travis Rudolph (hamstring)
WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring)
OT Chad Wheeler (concussion)