The New York Giants’ worst fears were realized on Monday morning when an MRI revealed that rookie inside linebacker Ryan Connelly had suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
Connelly went down in a heap during a 24-3 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon, and it was obvious from the onset that something was very wrong.
At the time of his injury, Connelly had been pursuing the ball-carrier when his knee buckled and he hit the ground untouched. He subsequently had to be carted off the field and was later spotted in a a brace and on crutches.
As the team left facilities in East Rutherford following press availability, Connelly had to be carted to his car — a concerning sign if there ever was one.
A fifth-round pick out of Wisconsin, Connelly earned his way onto the 53-man roster with an impressive summer and then took over the starting role when Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis went down.
In addition to sliding into the starting spot, the coaching staff thought enough of Connelly to give him the green dot helmet, allowing him to call defensive protections and get his teammates set up in the proper position.
With Connelly now lost for the season, the Giants have to hold their breath and hope to have Olgetree and Davis back in short order. They could also promoted Josiah Tauaefa from their practice squad.
In four games this season, Connelly recorded 20 tackles, one stuff, one sack, two interceptions and two passes defensed.
