New York’s Mathias Kiwanuka to miss Sunday’s game against Chicago

New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka will miss Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Bears and possibly the entire season after tests revealed a bulging cervical disc in his neck.

Kiwanuka, who leads the Giants with four sacks, practiced all week, but had an MRI on Thursday after complaining of a stiff neck. After Friday’s practice, Kiwanuka was sent to the hospital where he had a CAT scan.

Results of the tests revealed enough damage that the team is concerned Kiwanuka could miss the entire season, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Kiwanuka will seek a second opinion and is hopeful injections in the disc could speed recovery and allow him to play this year, sources told Mortensen.

“It’s disappointing,” Kiwanuka said in a statement. “It just feels like a stiff neck. The pain is not intolerable, but I want to make sure that I will be OK down the line. I have full trust in the medical staff and the trainers at the Giants. I’m going to do everything that is asked of me so when I’m cleared I’ll be back and ready to go.”

Giants Coach Tom Coughlin said he didn’t know when the injury occurred.

“Obviously, Kiwi is a big part of our plans,” Coughlin said. “He’s had a very good season. He’s very flexible. He’s a versatile athlete who can be used in a lot of different ways. So now we have to regroup and try to figure out how we’re going to utilize our personnel for this game.”

The loss is especially devastating to the Giants (1-2), who could be without three of their front seven when they face the 3-0 Bears. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora is questionable with a knee injury and was evaluated by doctors Friday. Linebacker Keith Bulluck is doubtful with turf toe.

The team also said Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury.

Ravens confident Rice will face Steelers

Ravens running back Ray Rice was able to practice on a limited basis Friday despite a knee bruise and is expected to play Sunday against the Steelers.

Rice, who had an MRI exam earlier in the week that revealed no ligament damage, is optimistic the deep bone bruise suffered in the fourth quarter of last week’s win over Cleveland won’t limit him.

“I feel great,” Rice said. “I’m sure I’ll be ready to play.”

Rice was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, but Coach John Harbaugh was also confident the Pro-Bowler would play in the AFC North clash.

“I’m feeling pretty good that he’s going to play,” Harbaugh said.

Ryan tempted to play Revis but won’t

Jets All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis participated in individual drills for the first time since injuring his hamstring two weeks ago but has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Bills.

“That was encouraging today,” Coach Rex Ryan said. “He was doing some individual work today. He looks so good out there, you’re tempted to just let him go, but we’re going to wait. He never did anything as far as team practices or team reps. We’re going to make sure he’s back and close to 100% before we put him out there.”

Etc.

The Seahawks have put linebacker Leroy Hill on injured reserve because of an Achilles’ injury. … Denver running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) has been ruled out for the second consecutive week. … Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme practiced for the second straight day after missing two weeks with a high ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. … Rams running back Steven Jackson (groin) returned to practice Friday and is expected to be a game-time decision against Seattle on Sunday, as is safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (bruised thigh). “I’ll have to get together with them to see where they’re at and how they felt,” Coach Steve Spagnuolo said after the Rams’ practice Friday. … Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is doubtful for Sunday’s game against Arizona with a calf injury. … The NFL fined a number of players from last week’s Tennessee Titans-New York Giants game. Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and defensive end Jason Babin were fined $5,000 each. Finnegan was docked for throwing Giants wideout Steve Smith to the ground by his helmet, and Babin because of a late hit with the crown of his helmet. Giants linemen David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie and Adam Koets were each fined $5,000 and running back Ahmad Bradshaw was given a $2,500 fine.