Jim O’Connor- USA TODAY Sports
According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com, New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski is set to have his knee repaired — he is determined to return before the Giants’ season opener at the Dallas Cowboys.
While only a fullback, Hynoski’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has proven to be beneficial for Eli Manning during tough situations. In 2011 — while never rushing the ball — he caught 12 passes for 83 yards. One of said passes was during a Giants’ drive in a Week 17 matchup versus the Cowboys; wherein Hynoski made highlights after leaping over Terrance Newman.
Moreover, Hynoski also qualified for one of the more humorous touchdown dances of 2012 — when he used his brow-placed hand to emulate a rhinoceros horn. Hynoski proceeded to buck like a rhino after scoring his only touchdown of the season during a final week demolishing of the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was in 2012 where he carried the ball five times for 20 yards.
Hynoski’s position is — for better or worse — considered among the more interchangeable in the NFL. After the 2010 season, Hynoski — then an undrafted rookie — replaced the former Giant Madison Hedgecock as the team’s fullback.
But, an effective fullback can help the Giants’ offense going into 2013. The Giants rushed for a league median of 116.4 yards per game in 2012 — 14th in the NFL. Moreover, the Giants converted 40.6% of third downs in 2013 — a stat that isn’t terrible, the New England Patriots converted a league-best 48.7% of third downs, but it could be improved upon.
If Hynoksi can make a full recovery by the opener, then it will be his job to lead block for David Wilson and Andre Brown so that the two aforementioned backs can help the Giants’ offense achieve a higher third down conversion rate.
Hynoski is, by many people’s standards, a quintessential blue-collar football player — a tough fullback who works hard, and has earned the namesake “Hynoceros”. He has recovered from past injuries, such as the one that caused him to go undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Time will tell if he is ready for September.
Jeff Nelson is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JNelson53_12, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
