SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Justin Pugh felt good during the week in practice and figured he was ready to return from a back injury that had kept him out the last two games.
The Giants’ right tackle realized a few minutes into the first half of Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the 49ers that he had returned too soon.
“After a series, it started locking up on me,” said Pugh, who left the game in the second quarter and didn’t return. “My back just isn’t where it needs to be to play an NFL game.”
Pugh wouldn’t say whether it was a disc-related issue or a muscle problem, but he believes he needs to make sure to let the injury heal enough to return without suffering a setback like the one that ended his game early.