The New York Giants escaped major injury concerns throughout most of training camp and the preseason. With Malik Nabers potentially set to return to the field for Week 1, it looked like Big Blue was going to be as healthy as any team entering the season.
Unfortunately, Calvin Austin III was dealt a brutal injury blow on Tuesday. Per Connor Hughes, "Giants WR Calvin Austin suffered an injury today in 1-on-1 drills. He went down in coverage from Tae Banks. Immediately grabbed his right knee. "
The details have not yet been disclosed, though insider Adam Schefter said that a source described the injury as a "serious knee injury."
If Austin does miss significant time, it will be devastating for a Giants wide receiver room that was finally starting to take shape.
Calvin Austin III injury sets Giants' WR room back
While we don't yet know the severity of the injury, non-contact knee issues often set players back significantly. As a smaller receiver, Austin has missed time with injuries previously in his career, but this could be his most significant injury yet.
According to Hughes, even owner John Mara stopped by Austin on his way off the field to talk to the receiver. The entire team paused practice to crowd around him as he was being carted off.
Prior to this injury, Austin had been having a strong offseason. He made an impact in training camp and was especially productive in the Giants' preseason win over the Miami Dolphins. In that game, he caught two passes for 24 yards, took an end-around handoff for an explosive gain, and had a solid showing as a punt returner.
Austin was looking like a savvy offseason addition for the Giants on his low-cost contract. His versatility and explosiveness with the ball in his hands had him positioned to be a key contributor in Matt Nagy's offense.
If he is removed from the receiver room for the majority of the season, the G-Men will miss his dynamic presence. Other receivers will have to step up to fill his role. This injury likely shuts down any trade considerations for Darnell Mooney and should solidify Odell Bececkham Jr.'s spot on the roster.
It's always difficult to see a player sustain a significant injury. It's the unfortunate reality of the NFL. This injury could set the Giants back significantly as they look toward the start of the regular season.
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