Giants lose QB Curtis Painter to surgery, sign Rusty Smith

Tennessee Titans quarterback Rusty Smith warms up before a game... — Tennessee Titans quarterback Rusty Smith warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP / Wade Payne

By TOM ROCKtom.rock@newsday.comApril 28, 2014

The Giants lost another quarterback to injury for spring workouts and promptly added another passer for their upcoming OTAs and minicamp.

Backup quarterback Curtis Painter had an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Friday, the team announced, and he will be sidelined for at least four weeks.

With starter Eli Manning already on the shelf because of an ankle scope several weeks ago, the Giants signed former Titans quarterback Rusty Smith yesterday. Smith was a 2010 draft pick by the Titans but appeared in just three regular-season games with one start.

The moves give the Giants five quarterbacks on their roster, but only three (Ryan Nassib, Josh Freeman and Smith) who are expected to be healthy enough for spring practices as the installation of the new Ben McAdoo offense takes place.