Giants’ Janoris Jenkins’ status unknown after injury vs. Lions

Two weeks after the New York Giants lost defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul for the remainder of the regular season with a sports hernia injury, the defense lost another key piece in Sunday’s 17-6 win over the Detroit Lions. Janoris Jenkins left the game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return, another star playmaker perhaps sit to miss time.

Jenkins went down on the turf for several minutes early in the second quarter after taking a knee to the back following a pass breakup. He would need help leaving the field and after being initially reported as questionable to return, Jenkins was scratched from the game.

Following the game, Jenkins and his status was still uncertain as the Giants, now 10-4, head into two final games, both against NFC East opponents.

“[Took] a knee to the back. He’s still being evaluated at this point,” Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said following the Giants win.

Jenkins, an offseason acquisition and one of the Giants prize free agent signings, has been perhaps the best cornerback on the team this year. He’s been one of the key components to defense that was ranked bottom of the league last year but has been among the league’s best over the past month.