Giants' Judge: Gates' injury could be career-ending

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge couldn't hide his concern Thursday that offensive lineman Nick Gates - who fractured his leg last week - may have suffered a career-ending injury.

"I'd be lying if, from my perspective, I said no," Judge said when asked if Gates' ailment could end his career, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

"I know there are some comparisons to other players. These things are all different. I know he's going to have the best medical care possible, here or elsewhere, whatever we can do. So, we are confident he's going to be able to come back."

Gates remains hospitalized after being carted off with his left leg in an air cast last Thursday against the Washington Football Team. He's slated to undergo additional surgeries.

Jon Perzley, the lineman's agent, is optimistic Gates will make a full recovery.

"Mark my word, Nick will be back in blue next year," Perzley said, per Raanan. "While in some cases these types of injuries can be career-threatening, Nick's situation is not that. It doesn't hurt that he is the toughest guy on the planet."

Gates shared a video of himself walking just days after undergoing an initial procedure, along with the caption, "One step closer to getting back on the field."

The 25-year-old has started 18 games for the Giants since 2020.

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