Giants' Brown Out For Season
New York Giants running back Gary Brown is out for the season after arthroscopic surgery Friday found "extensive cartilage damage" in his left knee.
After Friday's practice, coach Jim Fassel said that the injury and repair should not preclude Brown from returning next season. Brown cannot begin rehabilitation until he is off crutches, which could take six weeks, team spokesman Pat Hanlon said.
The damage to Brown's knee is a "long-term wear-and-tear injury" not related to a sprain that the back sustained in the final preseason game, Hanlon said.
Brown did not play after that until Oct. 3, when he gained 87 yards on 27 carries against Philadelphia. He had 67 yards on 18 carries Oct. 10 against Arizona, and carried 10 times for 23 yards Monday against Dallas.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Russell Warren, Giants team physician, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Brown led the Giants in rushing last year with 1,063 yards. He missed much of training camp this year with a buttocks injury after a motorcycle injury in June.
LeShon Johnson will replace Brown in the starting lineup Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, with rookie Joe Montgomery expected to make his first pro appearance, as backup.
Brown is the second starter lost to the Giants this week. Kicker Brad Daluiso tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the final play of Monday night's game against the Cowboys.
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