New York Giants running back David Wilson has been handed a boost in his recovery from injury after being told that he will not require surgery on his neck.
Wilson picked up the injury during last Sunday's defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles and was initially ruled out for several weeks.
However, the Giants were worried that the 22-year-old could require season-ending surgery and sent him to neck specialist Robert Watkins in California for a second opinion.
Watkins is said to have backed up the initial diagnosis, meaning that Wilson will still miss at least three or four more weeks, but should return before the end of the campaign.
The Giants are still searching for their first win of their NFL campaign and will face the Minnesota Vikings next Monday night as they look to end their six-match losing streak.