Domenik Hixon

New York Giants wide receiver and return specialist Domenik Hixon is out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the team announced on Wednesday.

Initially the Giants believed Hixon had hyper-extended the knee when his foot caught in the new FieldTurf during the Giants' first practice in the New Meadowlands Stadium on Tuesday. Later in the day, Hixon underwent an exam and MRI that revealed the torn ACL.

According to the team, Hixon will undergo surgery in two to three weeks.

Hixon fielded a punt during Tuesday's practice and crumpled to the ground untouched after getting his foot caught in the turf. Hixon lay on the turf clutching his knee in pain for several minutes, but walked off under his own power.

Hixon, a fifth-year pro, was the team's return specialist. His injury opens the door for another returner. The Giants have used the likes of Sinorice Moss, Antrel Rolle and Aaron Ross at times during offseason workouts on punt returns.

Hixon wasn't going to see many snaps at WR with Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham solidly ahead of him on the depth chart. Ramses Barden or Sinorice Moss may get worked in a bit more but it's nothing to get excited about. As stated in the article, the primary impact this has will be in return leagues.