Jon Beason

Linebacker Jon Beason was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and will have to play through a foot problem this year.

((AP Photo/Bill Kostroun))

EAST RUTHERFORD -- Starting middle linebacker Jon Beason and the Giants held out the slimmest sliver of hope that he'd be able to play Sunday against the Houston Texans despite a foot injury. They've been advised it's not in his best interest.

Beason visited renowned foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina on Friday morning and was ruled out of this week's game. Linebacker Jameel McClain is expected to shift over and start in Beason's place with Mark Herzlich moving into the strongside linebacker spot against a run-heavy team.

"Our medical people after listening to the conversation just figured this wouldn't be a week to put him out there," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said.

The Giants did not provide a timetable for Beason's return. They did indicate that it was something that could linger throughout the season.

"You have to probably fight through something like this for the duration," Coughlin said. "Here’s a guy that is tough and gritty. He'll go out there as soon as he can."

Beason said Thursday he felt as if his foot was fine. But he hadn't yet tested it physically since aggravating the foot/toe injury he suffered during Organized Team Activities in June.

Beason had torn ligaments and a fractured sesamoid in his right foot that sidelined him for 12 weeks. He aggravated the injury on Sunday against the Cardinals when he stepped on the foot of McClain.

The veteran linebacker felt something pop and left the stadium in a boot. Despite the initial scare, there was hope when he felt "drastically" better after a couple days of rest. Beason said he couldn't walk when suffered the original injury.

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