Jon Beason, Walter Thurmond Exit Giants-Cardinals Game with Injuries

Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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If dropping their record to 0-2 wasn’t enough, the New York Giants added injury to insult as two defensive starters exited Sunday’s game with the Arizona Cardinals and did not return.

Linebacker Jon Beason (toe) and nickel cornerback Walter Thurmond III (pectoral) each exited the game in the fourth quarter. Following the game, linebacker Jon Beason was not made available to the media, but was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot, according to NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan.

“He has to have x-rays and MRIs again,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said in regards to Beason. “I have no idea. I don’t know the results.”

While Coughlin wouldn’t offer much in terms of clarity on Beason’s injury, he did state he believes it is related to the ligament tear and fracture the linebacker suffered early in the team’s offseason conditioning program.

Back in June, Beason jumped up in pass coverage during an OTA practice. Upon landing, Beason limped off to the sideline and was carted back to the locker room. Further tests revealed the fracture in his right foot and Beason sat out all of training camp and preseason.

Beason missed time in practice this week, but was a full-go for the game.

As for Thurmond, the cornerback said his injury occurred when he attempted to make a tackle in the fourth quarter. Thurmond went to punch the ball out, before feeling something in his upper right arm. He remained in the game for three additional plays and then removed himself.

Thurmond didn’t say how long he expected to be out or if he expected to practice this week.

“I’d say it’s tender right now,” Thurmond said. “I think I’ll get some imaging and stuff like that done and go from there.”

When Thurmond was injured, cornerback Trumaine McBride filled in. With Beason out, the Giants turned to fourth-year pro Mark Herzlich. The Boston College alumni struggled on defense.

During Herzlich’s first series on defense, the Cardinals twice ran at him for first downs. He was then flagged for a holding call, and one possession later gave up a first down in pass coverage.

After Beason was initially injured, the Giants had slid Jameel McClain over from strongside linebacker to middle and put rookie Devon Kennard in at SAM. The group played well in the preseason, but Kennard was inactive versus Arizona while he rehabs from a hamstring injury suffered in the season opener.

“It feels better, I’m trying to get better so I can get out there as soon as possible,” Kennard said. “I’ll find out more tomorrow and Tuesday with what they plan on doing. My hamstring has to be at 100 percent. I haven’t started running and stuff like that.”

If Beason is out an extended amount of time and Kennard is unable to return, New York may look to make a move at linebacker. Presently, McClain, Jacquian Williams, Herzlich and Spencer Paysinger are the only healthy linebackers on the squad. Undrafted rookie Dan Fox is on the practice squad and could be a candidate to be called up, but he is viewed as a very raw talent with his value being primarily on special teams.