The New York Giants (8-4) ended their six-game winning streak with Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5). They also lost defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who left the game in the second quarter due to a groin injury.

The Giants struggled in stopping the run, especially after Pierre-Paul left the game, but head coach Ben McAdoo is ‘optimistic’ the defensive end can play in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. He is scheduled for an MRI on Monday.

JPP (groin) says he is getting an MRI tomorrow. "We will find out what it is tomorrow. As of now, I'm optimistic about playing Sun night." — Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 5, 2016

The Giants are going to need all the help they can get going up against the best offensive line in the NFL on Dec. 11. It would be a huge blow to the defense if Pierre-Paul is unable to play in Week 14.

Stopping rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott and putting pressure on rookie quarterback Dak Prescott will be difficult tasks even with a fully healthy defense so the Giants really need Pierre-Paul to play.

The Giants allowed their first 100-yard rusher on Sunday against the Steelers after Le’Veon Bell rushed for 118 yards on 29 carries. His performance was a big reason the Steelers were able to do so much on offense.

What was encouraging was that fellow defensive end Olivier Vernon was able to step up in Pierre-Paul’s absence. Vernon finished with four tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. He has recorded a sack in each of the last five games.

Pierre-Paul wasn’t the only one of defense to get injured. Cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (chest/ribs) was brought to the hospital, but has already been released and will fly back with the team.

Defensive tackles Damon Harrison (hamstring) and Johnathan Hankins (thigh) both got banged up in the loss. Hankins was questionable at one point, but eventually returned to the game in the third quarter.

Dwayne Harris (ankle) also left the game and did not return in the fourth quarter. Bobby Rainey filled in on special teams to return kicks after he left the game.