New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck has missed four games this season with neck and groin injuries, and has played at less than 100 percent in the six games in which he has participated.
The two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro has just two sacks and 15 tackles in six games, following a season in which he had 11.5 sacks and a career-best 76 tackles. Tuck is considered the Giants’ best and most complete defensive player, but have his effort to play through the injuries actually hurt the 6-4 Giants?
Even Tuck himself admits to wondering about that, as he told Mike Francesa during an appearance on WFAN Monday.
“I play that through my head a lot. We got so much talent on this defensive line especially on the defensive line. That’s something I played through my head sometimes,” Tuck said. “I don’t think I am. I’ve asked coaches this. They’ve assured me that being out that football field that we are a better defense with me on the field … I am going out there to help the team win. If I can’t help win then I don’t need to be out there.”
Tuck drew criticism from former teammates Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan when he sat out games earlier this season because was not healthy enough to contribute.
— Read the full interview transcript at Sports Radio Interviews