Steve Smith
Though the New York Giants are chock full of receivers, their most dependable option won’t get back on the field until next month at the earliest.
According to ESPN, Steve Smith is expected to be out until December with a torn pectoral muscle.
Originally hurt in last week’s practice, Smith was quickly ruled out for this week and, in all likelihood, next week. Now it’s looking like it’ll be upwards of five weeks before he returns to the starting lineup.
The target date now becomes December 5th, when the Giants will take on the Redskins at home. If he couldn’t make it back by then, he should more than likely play in the following week’s game at Minnesota.
Quarterback Eli Manning will miss Smith, as he’s the best possession receiver on the roster. While he doesn’t possess the gamebreaking ability like fellow wideout Hakeem Nicks, Smith is clutch on third downs and usually makes the big catch when needed. This season, he has 47 catches for 517 and three touchdowns.
With Smith out of the picture temporarily, Mario Manningham becomes the starter opposite Nicks. Duke Calhoun is expected to man the slot as the team lost Ramses Barden for the season to an ankle injury.
