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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New York Giants middle linebacker and main tackle Blake Martinez suffered an ACL tear in the 17-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple sources.
Martinez, a team captain and defensive signalman, will miss the remainder of the season. It’s a blow to a Giants defense that gave up a winning drive in the dying seconds on Sunday for the second week in a row.
The Giants also lost wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton in the game to hamstring injuries. Shepard is likely to be missing for some time, according to a source.
Martinez’s non-contact injury occurred when he rushed to the sideline to make a tackle during opening practice. He fell to the ground awkwardly before reaching Atlanta’s Cordarrelle Patterson.
Martinez, 27, was lying on his stomach until he was finally helped up, and he needed the coach’s help as he limped off the pitch. He immediately walked into the locker room with obvious pain and was kicked out of the game quite quickly.
Veteran Reggie Ragland saw his shots increase after Martinez’s downfall. Second-year inside linebacker Tae Crowder stepped in as a caller.
The Giants (0-3) were hoping for better news on one of their best defensive players. Martinez was integral to a strong defense last season.
“I hope it doesn’t matter,” coach Joe Judge said after the loss. “Blake is obviously a key part of our team; he’s a leader, he’s a hard worker, he’s a tough guy.”
Martinez led the Giants with 21 tackles heading into Sunday’s game. This after leading the team with 151 tackles last season, his first in New York.
It was his fourth consecutive season with at least 130 tackles. But that streak will come to an end because of the week 3 injury.
Martinez signed a three-year, $ 30.75 million contract with the Giants last year.
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