EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Linebacker Michael Boley, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the New York Giants as a free agent, has undergone hip surgery and almost certainly will miss the start of training camp.
Boley had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in an operation performed Wednesday by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Boley, a former Atlanta Falcon, hurt his hip during the Giants' offseason program.
A full recovery is expected in approximately 8 to 10 weeks, the team said. Training camp opens in August.
Boley plays weakside linebacker. Gerris Wilkinson, Bryan Kehl and Chase Blackburn played that position for the Giants last season, and all are still with the team.
A fifth-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2005, Boley started 53 of 64 games during his four seasons in Atlanta. He had 330 tackles, six sacks, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 25 passes defended.
Last season, Boley started 12 regular-season games and the Falcons' NFC Wild-Card Game at Arizona. He finished the season with 90 tackles and one interception.
When the Giants signed Boley, they noted that he's excellent in pass coverage and would be used in blitzing situations because of his quickness. Giants general manager Jerry Reese also said that Boley was a durable player who could play both the weakside and strongside linebacker.
The Giants on Wednesday also announced the signings of wide receiver Ramses Barden, their third-round draft pick, and quarterback Rhett Bomar, a fifth-round pick. Contract terms weren't available.
Tight end George Wrightser, a seven-year NFL veteran who was signed on May 9, and first-year offensive lineman Mike Fladell were released to make room for Barden and Bomar on the roster.
