12:22pm: The Giants are expected to issue a statement regarding Wilson soon, and will most likely place him on injured reserve, tweets Kimberly Jones of NFL.com. Anderson adds (via Twitter) that Wilson’s 2014 season is over. If Wilson is indeed heading to IR, the club could wait a few weeks to officially make the move, at which point the running back would no longer have to pass through waivers.
AUGUST 4, 11:52am: : A source tells ESPN’s Josina Anderson (TwitLonger link) that Giants doctors have shut down Wilson due to his neck issues, and there’s a belief that the injury could be career-ending.
JULY 31, 10:00am: Just over a week after he was medically cleared to return to the field following neck surgery, Giants running back David Wilson left practice on Tuesday with a neck burner. Although Wilson tweeted last night that he’s “fine,” the team is more concerned about his status, according to Jordan Raanan & Conor Orr of NJ.com. The duo reports that the Giants believe Wilson is a long shot to return to the field, with a source suggesting that the running back “needs a miracle.”
It’s an extremely unfortunate turn of events for Wilson, who was projected to be the second-string tailback for the Giants this season behind the newly-signed Rashad Jennings, assuming both players remained healthy. No official determination has been made yet, however, as Wilson is scheduled to meet on Monday with Dr. Frank Cammisa, who performed last year’s neck surgery. After that assessment, the two sides should have a better idea of how to move forward.
It’s worth noting that the Giants have a reputation for being very cautious with neck injuries, so even if their team doctors weren’t comfortable with clearing Wilson, that doesn’t necessarily mean his NFL career is over. We’re seeing a similar situation play out with Jermichael Finley, who has reportedly been cleared by at least one NFL team doctor, but hasn’t received clearance from the Packers, who are also wary of neck and spine injuries.