EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants are going to
have to try to make the playoffs without Jeremy Shockey.
The Pro Bowl tight end broke his left leg in the third quarter
of the Giants' 22-10 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday
night and will likely be sidelined the rest of the season.
"He's one of our leaders, one of the guys that comes to
practice every day,'' quarterback Eli Manning said. "It's going to
be tough to overcome that, and we need someone to step up and
hopefully one of these rookie tight ends can do that.''
Shockey was hurt on the Giants' first possession of the second
half when teammate Amani Toomer rolled into the back of his leg
from behind at the end of a running play.
The injury was diagnosed
as a broken left fibula, the smaller of two bones in the lower
portion of the leg.
"We've got a tough challenge ahead of us playing without him,''
Manning said.
Added coach Tom Coughlin: "To lose him at any time of the
season is a huge loss. I feel badly for him.''
Shockey was bent backward and immediately lay on the ground in
obvious pain, his fists clenched as he grimaced on the turf. He was
helped to the sideline by Giants trainers and had his leg
immobilized before he was taken in a cart for further examination.
Shockey ripped his wristbands off and threw them as he was
carted away.
"It's part of the business, part of the risk you take when you
go out there, that you can get injured,'' defensive end
Michael Strahan said. "Losing Shockey is definitely going to hurt because
he's not only an emotional leader and all those things, but he also
makes plays for you. He's one of our guys that other teams make
sure they account for, and that helps other guys out. I know as
much of a competitor he is, it's really going to kill him to
watch.''
Shockey had two catches for 18 yards in the game. One of his
replacements could be rookie Kevin Boss, who had two catches for 31
yards, including a 19-yard touchdown.
"All year, I've just been one snap away from happening to step
in and contribute,'' said Boss, who has five catches for 68 yards
this season. "I'm just going to continue to do what I've done all
season and prepare and continue to get in the film room. I'm
confident that I'll be able to step in and help out.''
Rookie Michael Matthews could also see an expanded role in
Shockey's absence. He has six catches for 28 yards this season.