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Osi Umenyiora has recently been in the news for threatening to “retire” if he doesn’t get his starting job back, quit, seek a trade and many other things. Things have died down,  as Umenyiora had agreed to fight to win his starting job back. Things just got a little bit tougher. Umenyiora has been told by his doctors he needs surgery on his hip, a nagging injury he has had. While the doctors told him he should get it done today, Umenyiora will play the season with the injury, as the doctors have told him the injury can’t get worse. This is just another thing Osi will have to overcome in order to win his starting job back. Keep in mind this is the same injury, or so it seems, that kept him out 5 games a few years back.

Last Season: We all know how last season went for Umenyiora. It has been well publicized that Osi was not happy with his role, or then Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan, as on day one Osi walked out of a team meeting in frustration. Coming off major knee surgery, things would be tough for Osi, as eventually towards the end of the season, he was benched in favor of Mathias Kiwanuka. We know the controversy surrounding the benching, but it was necessary, the Giants’ needed a spark to try and save there season, Osi wasn’t playing well and Mathias Kiwanuka started coming into his own. Osi did registered 7 sacks, but most of those coming early on in the “soft” part of the Giants’ schedule. Osi was simply terrible against the run last year. He hopes to be fresh and now two years recovered from major knee surgery.

The Giants' hope Osi Umenyiora can get back on track this year and help the line get back to being one of the best in the league.

Starting Issue: What happens if Osi does not win the starting job back? Does he become a disgruntled player once again and begin to cause issues in the locker room? That’s one issue I think the Giants’ have to be concerned about. If Umenyiora does in-fact win the starting spot back, all is well, we know that “Kiwi” is a team player and has no issues. Well he won’t make them public. Kiwi is also in a contract year, which means if Osi does win the job back and do great, like I think he will, the Giants’ may no longer need his services.

What Can You Expect In 2010?

Before the hip injury became public I believed Osi would win the starting job, have a great year and be the All-Pro we know him to be. The second year after knee surgery is the year which your “back”, from 100%. However, with this hip injury, there is no indication Osi will be able to be 100%. Don’t forget, this is the same injury that kept him out 5 games in 2006. Yes, the doctors have told him the injury can’t get worse by being played on and he can manage the pain, but if he doesn’t win the job back, is he really going to be willing to “manage” the pain? These question will remain to be seen until we find out who wins the job. I still think he wins it, but hey, only time will tell.

Who wins the starting job folks, Osi Umenyoria or Mathias Kiwanuka?