EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora has ligament damage in his left knee and will miss the season.

Umenyiora was hurt in the second quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the New York Jets, but early indications were that there was no ligament damage.

However, an MRI Sunday found a torn lateral meniscus, Dr. Russell Warren told the team. The two-time Pro Bowl choice will have surgery Tuesday and be sidelined for the season.

The loss is a major one for the Super Bowl champions in the wake of the retirement of seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan a few months ago.

This is not the first time Umenyiora has required surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee. He underwent arthroscopic surgery for the same problem at Troy State.

Umenyiora started all 16 games last season and had 52 tackles and a team-high 13 sacks. He added seven tackles in the Giants' playoff run to the Super Bowl.

The Giants are now a bit thin at defensive end. Justin Tuck has replaced Strahan and New York signed veteran Renaldo Wynn in the offseason.

With Umenyiora out, the Giants have to consider moving strongside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end. He was switched to linebacker last year so the team could put its best 11 players on the field.