New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will be placed on season-ending injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle, coach Tom Coughlin confirmed Monday.
Hankins suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s 32-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“John has been a guy that has anchored in the middle of that defensive line for a few years, and we will definitely miss his presence,” Coughlin said. “He knocked the ball out (Sunday). He’s the one that forced the first fumble, recovered by Jasper Brinkley. He will be missed. He’s a strong, strong player inside and a force against the pass as well as the run. We will miss him.”
Hankins, 23, was a second-round pick in 2013 and started every game for the Giants since the 2014 season. He recorded seven sacks last season.