Arrington Out for Year With a Torn Achilles' Tendon

IRVING, Tex., Oct. 23 -- LaVar Arrington's first season with the New York Giants came to an abrupt end when the linebacker suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon in the second quarter of Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium.

The injury will require season-ending surgery.

"I hate for it to happen," said Arrington, who was on crutches in the Giants' locker room after the game. "But all I can do is try to stay positive and try to come back better than before this injury."

Arrington was being blocked on a run by Cowboys tailback Julius Jones but wasn't knocked to the ground. He fell on his own after suffering the injury, and members of the Giants' medical staff rushed onto the field to treat him while linebacker Antonio Pierce looked on.

Giants Coach Tom Coughlin left the sideline to check on Arrington, and linebacker Brandon Short kneeled by his side. Arrington was taken from the field on a cart.

The latter stages of Arrington's six-season tenure with the Washington Redskins were marked by knee problems, and he was hopeful of being healthy this season in his new surroundings. Arrington signed with the Giants as a free agent after buying his way out of the remainder of his contract with the Redskins.

He hadn't made much of an impact with his new club, and sensed that Giants followers were beginning to regret the club's decision to sign him. But he made some flashy plays Monday before getting hurt. He sacked Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe for a first-quarter safety, and in the second quarter he knocked away a pass by Bledsoe that might have resulted in a touchdown if the ball had reached open wide receiver Terrell Owens.

"I knew it was coming," Arrington said. "I knew it. I just knew how I felt and how I was getting more comfortable with everything. I knew this would be a showcase game for me. But everything happens for a reason. I firmly believe that."