National Football League

Injured Hixon to miss rest of season

Published Sep. 21, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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New York Giants receiver Domenik Hixon will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee for the second straight year.

Surgery is planned in the near future.

''It kind of still feels like a dream,'' said Hixon, who said he was stunned when told he tore his ACL again. ''It's another long road, but I'll put the work back in and come back better than before.''

Hixon was hurt Monday night making a juggling catch on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the Giants 28-16 win over the St. Louis Rams.

''I just thank God I caught it and kind of contributed to the win and just hanging out on the sidelines, just different little things like that,'' Hixon said. ''It felt good being back. That'll just be more motivation to come back again.''

Hixon told reporters after the game that he hurt his calf and not his knee, but he admitted on Wednesday that was ''wishful thinking.''

Hixon missed all of last season after tearing the ACL during an offseason minicamp workout.

Also a key punt returner, Hixon had four catches for 50 yards in two games this season. He returned three punts for 31 yards.

''It's a shame, a guy who we missed last year and were happy to have back,'' Manning said. ''Obviously you saw his contribution already with the touchdown catch. Those are the kinds of plays that he can bring to us. Unfortunate, but we're going to need some guys to step up.''

With Hixon out and fellow receiver Mario Manningham's status uncertain because of a concussion suffered on Monday, the Giants might have to rely on recently signed Brandon Stokley, Victor Cruz, Devin Thomas and rookie Jerrel Jernigan to fill the void.

New York tried out a couple of receivers last week before signing Stokley. Among that group were veteran T.J. Houshmandzadeh and former Rutgers standout Tiquan Underwood, who is also a return specialist.

Manningham underwent further examination Wednesday for his concussion.

The Giants have been hit with a slew of injuries. Starting cornerback Terrell Thomas and starting middle linebacker Jonathan Goff have been sidelined for the season with major knee injuries. Rookie defensive tackle Marvin Austin, the second-round draft pick, will miss the season with a pectoral muscle problem.

Thomas is scheduled to have surgery on Friday.

Hixon refused to say there was a black cloud in the locker room.

''God has a specific plan for everybody,'' he said. ''I'll pray about it and I will be back. I felt better when I came back this time, so I'll just have to do it again.''

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