In a game that featured a blocked punt, the Giants' first offensive touchdown of the preseason, the lasting moment Monday night came on a nondescript screen pass from Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to running back Marion Barber. On that play, which began with 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas pursued Cutler only to crumple to the turf after an awkward collision with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Teammates quickly surrounded Thomas, and not long after he was helped into the locker room, the Giants announced the grim news: Thomas, a vital part of the secondary, had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He almost surely will be lost for the season, a development that darkened a 41-13 Giants victory. The injury is crushing, both for Thomas, who is in the final year of his contract, and for the Giants, who are suddenly facing a crisis at cornerback. Thomas, a fourth-year veteran, had 5 interceptions, 101 tackles and 4 forced fumbles last season, and was seen by many observers as a potential Pro Bowler this season. Without him, the Giants are likely to turn to Aaron Ross as a starter opposite Corey Webster. Ross, a former No. 1 draft pick who has had an injury-filled career, had previously been used as a nickelback. Fitzgerald contract extended The Arizona Cardinals have signed Pro-Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to an eight-year contract extension, the team said Saturday. This is a day that I think all of us have been looking forward to,” Cardinals president Michael Bidwell said. “Larry Fitzgerald has been one of the most dynamic, if not the most dynamic, football player in Cardinals' history and one of the most dynamic in the NFL. The NFL Network (www.nfl.com) reported the contract is worth $120-million with nearly $50-million guaranteed. Fitzgerald, 27, made 90 receptions last season for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns.
