New York Giants running back David Wilson, a first-round pick in 2012, has had a somewhat interesting and brief jaunt as running back for the team thus far. Wilson began his career sitting on a bench for a huge portion of his rookie year in 2012, which was due to some unfortunate fumbling right out of the gate in the beginning of the season. This was a big no-no in Coach Coughlin’s book, earning Wilson a spot in the Giants’ doghouse.
When finally trusted to play in 2012, Wilson was pretty explosive during a late-season game in December at MetLife Stadium, scoring three touchdowns while scorching the New Orleans Saints 52-27. Whoever had a whim to start Wilson in fantasy football that week banked.
Very impressively, Wilson’s signature touchdown celebration of a back handspring debuted, earning him the nickname of “Flip Wilson.” I personally attended this blustery, rainy game at Metlife, and saw those touchdowns and handsprings for myself. Amazing stuff!
The 2013 NFL season began and with a giant absence of Ahmad Bradshaw, Wilson was expected to start along with fellow running back Andre Brown. Once again, the old butterfingers took over, and Wilson fumbled twice in the first game of the 2013 season.
Off to an incredibly slow and unmemorable start, Wilson finally made his first rushing touchdown in Week 5, sported his signature back handspring, then shortly thereafter, suffered a neck injury, exiting that game against the Philadelphia Eagles early.
Unfortunately for Wilson, that injury ended his 2013 season, sending him to the injured reserve list. As a result of the injury, Wilson had a neck surgery performed this past January. Still keeping a sense of humor, however, Wilson mooned New York City shortly following his surgery.
of course he did…..David Wilson, the #Giants RB, Tried to Moon NYC Traffic From His Hospital Room http://t.co/zaThfeOwmT
— Sportsfeedia.com (@sportsfeedia) January 18, 2014
Wilson is now eager to play in 2014 and seems to be ahead of schedule in his recovery process. An MRI showing that Wilson’s neck is properly healed will tell his fate soon.
David Wilson / Giants RB Wilson ahead of schedule after neck surgery http://t.co/SXMrb21QTc #NFL #NYG
— Fantasy Sports (@FantasySP) April 22, 2014
Wilson had this to say, as reported by Giants.com
I passed every test except a picture and that’s the only reason I’m not on the field,” Wilson said. “Because of pictures. Right now we just need to get the photograph that we need.
Per Giants.com
Wilson is eager to return to the field and said he “wants to” and “expects to” be cleared for the Giants’ organized team activities and minicamp. He just needs an MRI that will prompt a doctor to tell Wilson, “Go play.
Personally, I hope for positive news for Wilson pending his MRI, and that he can begin working out with his team soon. I’d love to see more from him and hopefully watch more backflips in person again. As far as drafting him for my fantasy team, though, I’ve been burned by that train, so I think I’ll pass for now. Sorry, Mr. Wilson.
Photo: Jim O’Connor, USA Today Sports