New York Giants' Jay Alford Placed On Injured Reserve

The New York Giants' have announced that defensive tackle Jay Alford has placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

He had surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in his left knee, which he injured against the Bears just this past season. In that same game, he tore his medial collateral ligament, or MCL.

This is a tough loss for the Giants, as Alford was planning on seeing a good deal of time as the back-up to Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield.

Alford has been used as a nose guard  for the Giants in the past, probably would have seen time there if he were able to play.

Because of his ACL injury, Alford will also be unavailable to long snap for New York. His presence will surely be missed by the G-men.

Jay was a big part of the Giant's Super Bowl run back in 2007, which was only his rookie year.

Alford was the Giants' third round pick in 2007. He played his college ball at Penn State, where he was an All-Big Ten selection as a junior and senior.

In high school, Alford was a New Jersey All-State choice, as well as a U.S. Army All-American.

As a pro, Alford's only significant achievement was winning a Super Bowl ring after the Giants' victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

In that game, Jay played very well for the Giants, finishing the night with a big hit on Tom Brady. The sack went for a loss of 10 yards. The play came in the last minute of the game, and helped secure a Giants' win.

Since joining the Giants, he has recorded 16 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pass defensed.

Head coach Tom Coughlin had expressed his desire to give Alford many opportunities to rotate in at defensive tackle.

Now, it looks like Chris Canty, who is currently battling an injury of his own, and Rocky Bernard will be the main back-ups behind Robbins and Cofield.

On special teams, Zak DeOssie will take over the long snapping duties for Alford.

New York sees Alford as a young talent who will continue to make strides since he would be heading into what would be his third season, if he were going to play.

At 6'3", 304 lbs, Jay is an intimidating force who knows how to deliver a hit. He is well-known for his outstanding pass-rush ability, while also being solid against the run.

Although the Giants go deep on the depth charts, the loss of Jay Alford will be a devastating one for Big Blue.