Giants Injury Report: Fells to IR with MRSA Staph Infection

Backup TE Daniel Fells, who missed last week’s win over Buffalo, was placed on season-ending IR on Wednesday due to what was originally believed to be a foot injury. However, he underwent surgery early last week after it was discovered he contracted a staph infection.

Giants TE Daniel Fells will miss the remainder of the season with a staph infection (Photo: Getty Images).

It turns out Fells is dealing with MRSA, the contagious and difficult-to-treat disease that infamously spread throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ locker room in 2013. Former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes was one of the Bucs who contracted the disease, and he never played again.

At this time, it doesn’t appear to be any concern that the disease spread to other members of the Giants organization. Big Blue scrubbed and disinfected their entire facility this week.

As for the rest of the Giants’ injury report, it’s not pretty.

Not surprisingly, WR Victor Cruz (calf) is out again. There’s currently no timetable for his return. Dwayne Harris was impressive last week, and should continue to see plenty of work in three-wide sets along with Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle.

DE Robert Ayers (hamstring) will miss his third straight game on Sunday. Last week, George Selvie and Kerry Wynn started at the ends, but Selvie is also out with a calf injury. With DT Markus Kuhn set to return from his knee injury, Cullen Jenkins could move back outside with Kuhn and Johnathan Hankins manning the middle.

The Giants’ front seven takes another hit with SLB Devon Kennard ruled out with a hamstring injury. Mark Herzlich will likely get the start alongside MLB Jon Beason and WLB J.T. Thomas.

Defensive depth could be even more of an issue with three defenders listed as questionable.

Slot corner Jayron Hosley’s status is uncertain as he recovers from a concussion. He returned to limited practice on Friday, participating in non-contact drills.

Fellow CB Trumaine McBride (groin) missed Wednesday’s practice, but returned in limited fashion on Thursday and Friday.

LB Jonathan Casillas is questionable with a calf injury. He did not practice Thursday or Friday, so his odds of suiting up don’t appear to be too great.

Fells may be done for the season, but the Giants will get one tight end back as Jerome Cunningham practiced fully Thursday and Friday, and is listed as probable for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the 49ers.