Ankle issue may end CB Jenkins’ season prematurely
Janoris Jenkins has been dealing with an issue with his left ankle for two months and could decide this week to have season-ending surgery, which would be yet another blow to the Giants in a season filled with them.
A source with knowledge of Jenkins’ condition confirmed an ESPN report that Jenkins, the Giants’ top cornerback, will meet with doctors early this week to consider his options. At some point, a clean-up procedure in Jenkins’ ankle will be necessary, either now or after the season. With the Giants at 2-9, there is not much for Jenkins to play for and it may be determined it is in his best interest to shut it down.
Jenkins suffered additional damage to his ankle Thanksgiving night as he returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 loss to the Redskins. He dove into the end zone to complete the play and then limped off. He returned to the game but was unable to prevent a 14-yard touchdown reception by Josh Doctson and afterward said he did not have any explosion pushing off the ankle. Jenkins left FedEx Field wearing a boot on his left foot.
Without Jenkins, the Giants would be dangerously thin at cornerback. They lost Donte Deayon against the Redskins for the remainder of the season with a fractured forearm. The only healthy corners on the roster are Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Eli Apple and Ross Cockrell. Apple was a healthy scratch the last two games and nearly walked out on the team after he was hit with severe criticism about his effort from coaches and teammates in a film session following the loss to the 49ers.
In the “It’s not over until it’s over” category, the Giants on Sunday were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Panthers defeated the Jets. Of course, the Giants (2-9) unofficially eliminated themselves long before this. The 49ers are also officially eliminated in the NFC.