New York Giants running back David Wilson may have spinal stenosis according to doctors, the second-year back told reporters, including Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News on Friday. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, that could mean season-ending surgery for Wilson.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column, was talked about often prior to the 2013 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh Steelers selection Jarvis Jones was forced to transfer from USC to Georgia because the Trojans' doctors refused to clear the pass rusher to return to the field after he was diagnosed with the condition.
Despite the concerns of doctors, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told media that he only believes Wilson will be out a month and the running back said he feels ready to play:
"Best case, I'll be back after the second opinion," Wilson said. "That's what I'm hoping and praying for because I feel perfectly fine. It really doesn't make sense to me right now. People say, "Oh, but it's the neck." But I feel like I'm fine. I'm willing to go out there and sacrifice and play with my team. This is what I love. That's my choice."
Wilson, 22, was a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft and rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. Through five games in 2013, Wilson has accumulated 146 yards and one touchdown.
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