Giants' Larry Donnell on neck injury: 'I'll be back soon'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches the game winning touchdown in front of San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Giants tight end Larry Donnell is dealing with neck spasms. Head coach Tom Coughlin called him "week-to-week." Robert Deutsch USA TODAY Sports
Despite being carted off in the first quarter of the New York Giants' Week 9 52-49 loss to the New Orleans Saints, tight end Larry Donnell has avoided a major injury.
Donnell has described his injury as a "sore neck", and head coach Tom Coughlin said that Donnell is "week-to-week" with this injury. Coughlin also conceded that backup tight end Will Tye has "got to be the guy", tipping his hand on Donnell's Week 9 status.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Donnell thinks he can beat Coughlin's timeline. He missed Wednesday's practice with muscle spasms.
"I want to be 100 percent when I get back out there. If it wasn't for [the spasms], I'd be able to go out there," Donnell said to reporters Wednesday, per NJ Advanced Media. "I've just got to rest, let it heal up, and I'll be back in no time. I'm a country boy from Alabama, I'll be back soon."
Donnell has no history of neck issues, but he knew right away that something was wrong, and you never want to be too careful when it comes to neck injuries.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I kind of fell weird when I caught that ball, and my neck started spasming. That's what's going on," Donnell said. "I'm just taking it until I get the motion back in it, taking it day-by-day."
If and when Donnell sits out Week 9, he is confident that Tye can seamlessly step into his role and help the team get a win.
"Will (Tye), that's my guy," Donnell said. He's more than ready. ... It's his chance now, he's going to make the most of it, and I'm happy for him."