The Giants defensive captain and field general will be sitting on the sidelines this Sunday after a bulging disc was found in his neck after an MRI.

No. 58 Antonio Pierce could be sitting for quite some time as neck injuries are very serious and have ended players careers in the past. Pierce originally sustained a burner during the Arizona game on Oct. 25.

Up until this week, Pierce had been pain-free. This week in practice, Antonio experienced an increased discomfort, so the Giant medical staff scheduled the MRI exam immediately.

The Giants will face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday and will need all hands on deck to snap a four-game losing streak.  The loss of Pierce at this critical time could be devastating. 

The Big Blue defensive has been ravaged with injuries over the last 10 weeks including Canty, Ross, Boley, Philips and Dockerty.

Antonio Pierce in his ninth NFL season has made an huge impact as a New York Giant since joining the team in 2005.  Pierce makes up for his lack of size and speed by being one of the smarter players in the NFL. 

Consider Pierce a film junkie, as he is very diligent in the film room, giving him an edge come game time.  No. 58 is also the first Giant linebacker to make the Pro Bowl since fan favorite Jessie Armstead's five-year tenure in Hawaii.

Pierce was quoted that he was looking forward to trying to help New York snap its losing streak on Sunday against the Falcons (5-4).

"This game means a lot to us," Pierce said earlier Friday. "For one, we need a win to get out of this four-game slump and, two, it will help us in the playoff hunt. We are tied for one of the wild card spots and you always want to win the head-to-head battles.". - ESPN

This gives the Giants a variety of moves at the linebacker position. 

Pierce's replacement most likely will be No. 57 Chase Blackburn who's natural position is behind Pierce at the MLB spot. 

With the placement of Gerris Wilkinson to IR last week with a broken wrist, weak side linebacker Brian Kehl becomes the back up to starter Michael Boley.

For any reason, Blackburn stays put at the weak side linebacker position behind Boley, 2nd year pro Jonathan Goff will step in the starting role for Pierce at MLB.  Goff was a fifth round draft pick in 2008 out of Vanderbilt. 

In 2009 he has made a nice impact on special teams including some huge hits on the kick off return team.  In 2008 Goff was shuffled in and out of training room with a rash of injuries:

Injury No. 1: a transverse process fracture in the preseason opener at Detroit.

Injury No. 2: concussion against the Eagles that knocked him out for a game.

Injury No. 3: Season ending hamstring injury suffered against Arizona. 

With the Captain on the sidelines...it's time for the young guys to step up and show what they can do until Pierce can return.  The spotlight will be on Goff and Kehl.   The linebackers of the future are on display. 

Clint Sintim, who maybe the best of three backers, is also not far away from starting on this Giants defense, replacing Danny Clark. 

The Big Blue Wrecking Crew could be back in business with Sintim, Goff, Boley and Kehl all starting at some point for the New York Giants.  Four linebackers with size, speed and all under the age of 27. 

I can only hope that Pierce's work ethic has rubbed off.