If the past is any indication, Henry Hynoski's first serious injury as a professional football player won't stop him.
Hynoski, the Southern Columbia graduate who is starting his third season with the New York Giants, will undergo surgery today to repair his medial collateral ligament and a chip fracture in his left knee. Hynoski was hurt during the second play from scrimmage during an organized team drill Wednesday.
"There was a little more to it than was reported," said Henry Hynoski Sr. on Thursday. "One of the defenders got a little overzealous and he kind of got sandwiched between guys."
Hynoski Sr. and his wife were on their way to New Jersey to visit with Hynoski before the surgery.
"He's positive and upbeat," said
the elder Hynoski, who played for the Cleveland Browns in the mid-1970s. "That (injuries) is part of football and you have to accept it. He'll survive."
Hynoski sat out several games during his rookie season of 2011 with a shoulder injury but this is the first time he will have surgery since he began his pro career as a free agent after playing at the University of Pittsburgh.
He said Thursday that his goal is to be ready for the Giants' season opener in September and was told by doctors "that is not an unrealistic goal."
Hynoski may have to battle a little more for his starting spot when he gets back, though. He was the only fullback listed on the team roster and chances are the Giants may go out and look for some backup at the position. Their only option right now is tight end Bear Pascoe, who plays fullback on passing downs.