The New York Giants appear to have lost their second left tackle in Shawn Andrews.
Andrews, the 335-pound starter the past three weeks as David Diehl recovers from a hip and hamstring injury, spent a second day in the hospital Friday for treatment of a chronic back condition that cost him the entire work week prior to the Eagles' game last week. He is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Diehl has been ruled out.
The Giants confirmed Andrews is at the Hospital for Special Surgery and will be released Saturday morning. The nature of Andrews' treatment hasn't been made clear, but the veteran provided some insight through his Twitter account on Friday.
"That's a verrrry uncomfortable feeling having needles stuck 7 inches deep into your back! Not as bad as being cut open, but still rough," Andrews tweeted.
With the offensive line depleted by injuries -- both starting and backup centers Shaun O'Hara and Adam Koets are out as well -- the Giants are left with second-year player Will Beatty for left tackle.
Beatty, though, only just got back to playing in spot duty two games ago as an extra tight end after missing seven with a broken right foot.
The Giants now face a situation where the left side of the line, which also includes fill-in guard Kevin Boothe, may not get the necessary push to create a balanced ground game.
"Certainly, if you had your druthers, that wouldn't be No. 1 on the hit parade," offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. "Shawn Andrews performed tremendously well for us and was a big part of why we haven't been sacked the last three weeks."
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (lower leg) is out.
Cornerback Will Blackmon (chest) is questionable.
Linebacker Gerris Wilkinson (hand) and defensive ends Justin Tuck (quadricep) and Osi Umenyiora (knee) are probable.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
