According to Adam Schefter, New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Saturday night’s game versus the New York Jets. He will be out for the rest of the 2013-2014 NFL season.
Brown, who injured his leg after intercepting Geno Smith’s pass near the end of the first quarter, was first diagnosed with a knee sprain. He could not put pressure on his left knee, forcing him to leave the game early.
When returning the interception, Brown was slowing down fast when he likely tried pivoting or cutting away from the Jets defenders. When he made that sudden cut, the ACL teared.
This injury will likely cause Brown to use crutches, so he doesn’t put much pressure on his knee. He is obviously in a lot of pain, as his injury will keep him out for the whole season. When a player tears his ACL his knee will swell up and
“I feel bad for Stevie,” head coach Tom Coughlin said following the game. “He has been a tremendous addition to our team. The guy has another interception and then has that happen.”
The 26-year-old broke out for the Giants last season, accumulating 76 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions.
Will Hill, the safety who would’ve taken over for the injured Brown, is suspended for the first four games of the season for marijuana use.
One of the best options for the Giants would be going out and signing free agent Kerry Rhodes. Rhodes, who started his career with the Jets, was a vital part of their defense. In 118 total games, he had 608 tackles, 13 sacks, and 23 interceptions.
Rhodes, who is still a free agent, is still capable of being a solid contributor on defense. Last year, he was on the Arizona Cardinals, amassing 67 tackles and four interceptions. The Giants need a new starting free safety fast and going with Rhodes is the best option.