Dottino: Prince Amukamara Injury Latest Giant Problem

By Paul Dottino
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Things just happen sometimes, right?

First-round pick Prince Amukamara explained Sunday that he thinks his left foot got tangled with receiver Duke Calhoun during Saturday night's practice – and what resulted is the rookie having a fracture that will require surgery.

Amukamara said he's never had a broken bone and was able to avoid significant injury while playing at Nebraska, so it's really impossible to tell how well or quickly he will rebound from this detour.

But this creates a huge problem for the Giants. It's likely the surgery will force him to miss approximately two months, putting his return for sometime in October. No spring camp. Late to training camp. Exactly how much production can the team expect to get from him if he cannot get back on the field until then? At that point, Amukamara's best chance to contribute will be on special teams.

Even worse, this injury came a day after the team lost fourth-string CB Bruce Johnson (Achilles) so the Giants no longer have as much cushion at this position on the depth chart.

Tackle Will Beatty had the same foot surgery last season and said Amukamara's biggest challenge will be to remain mentally focused so that he will be ready to go once the doctors clear him. At the same time, Beatty said every player's timetable to heal is different and Amukamara won't really know when he's healed until after his mind accepts it – likely a short time after the doctors clear him to practice.

OSI WATCH: Coach Tom Coughlin remains optimistic that the Giants will be able to have DE Osi Umenyiora on the practice field soon, but the contract-conflicted defensive end was not seen in his usual spot on the bike during the workout. Rather, he was getting treatment on his sore knee.

NOTES: Coughlin said TE Ben Patrick has got some personal issues to work through before the Giants can think about when or if the player will return to camp. So the team signed former Broncos and Bengals veteran Daniel Coats, primarily known for his blocking skills. … Free agent WR Steve Smith (knee) said on his Facebook page that he will be visiting camp within the next few days. Sources say he's received calls from at least a couple of teams, but talks didn't get serious because he's still rehabilitating his injury and would not be able to begin practicing. … WR Devin Thomas remains unable to practice because of the threat of infection to his dislocated finger. … DT Marvin Austin missed the workout because of a hip flexor. … PK Lawrence Tynes (quad) yielded his duties to P Matt Dodge for the night.

For updates from camp, follow @GiantsWFAN on Twitter.

With all the training camp issues, are you worried about the Giants' chances this season? Sound off in the comments below...