Giants Steve Smith Out With Torn Pectoral

Added on Nov 12, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

The New York Giants, who have been on cruise control in the NFC with five straight wins, received some bad news today. Wide receiver Steve Smith will be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time with a partially torn pectoral muscle. He will definitely miss Sunday’s matchup with Dallas and could be shelved for the remainder of the season, which would deal a serious blow to what has been a potent offensive attack.

Head coach Tom Coughlin labeled Smith as being “week to week.” His absence will be felt as the Giants enter a tough stretch in their schedule with games against the Eagles, Redskins, Vikings and Packers looming. Smith is second on the team in receptions with 47, but his importance goes beyond the numbers.

Smith is a reliable third down target for Eli Manning and his ability to operate in the slot is crucial to the Giants scheme. Without him, the offense will struggle to move the ball between the hashes. Fellow wideouts Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham normally run deep and outside routes.

Look for tight ends Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum to become more involved over the middle, and possibly running back Ahmad Bradshaw on screens. Whatever Big Blue does, filling Smith’s shoes won’t be easy.

Source: NFL.com