There is a concern that the hip issues plaguing New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora could dog him throughout the 2010 season, a source close to the player said Thursday.
Umenyiora, who has been dealing with a hip condition since 2006, went for a second opinion earlier this month, during which time a doctor suggested surgery, according to the source.
However, that would have required Umenyiora to miss at least half the season -- and put his entire 2010 campaign in jeopardy -- so he decided to play through the problem after consulting with the Giants -- something his agent, Tony Agnone, confirmed to the Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., earlier this week.
Umenyiora will try to manage the situation as he has in the past. However, it could worsen throughout the season and ultimately will come down to "pain management and luck," according to the source.
It has been common for Umenyiora to receive shots before games to deal with the pain and discomfort in his hip, according to the source, and surgery seems unavoidable. The hope is that it could be put off until after the season. There is at least a three-month recovery time after the surgery.
Agnone told the Star-Ledger that a possible work stoppage next year would be the perfect time for Umenyiora to have the surgery and fully recover.
Umenyiora clashed with former Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan last season and lost his starting spot. Umenyiora is trying to regain that job under new coordinator Perry Fewell. Several teams inquired about Umenyiora in trade talks this offseason, according to league sources, given his past productivity and diminished role, but the suitors were quickly rebuffed by the Giants, who told teams that he wasn't available.
