GIANTS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio has avoided a serious knee injury and is set to miss two games following an injury scare on Saturday.

The hard-running midfielder landed awkwardly during a tackle in the fourth quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the match.

Star defender Sam Taylor was also ruled out early in the same match, after the All-Australian defender was knocked out in a sickening accidental head clash.

The 24-year-old was taken to Canberra Hospital for assessment and was cleared of any serious injury before returning to Sydney later that evening and is currently following the concussion protocols under the guidance of the GIANTS’ medical staff.

Taylor is automatically ruled out of round six and will continue through the protocols to assess his availability for round seven.

Experienced campaigner Callan Ward made a successful and impactful return through the VFL on the weekend, collecting 33 touches.

Meanwhile, draftee James Leake will join team training for the first time this week after managing some soft tissue injuries since joining the club in November last year.

GIANTS Head of Medical James Rahme said:

"Sam is recovering well given the severity of the situation on Saturday afternoon.

"He'll continue to progress through the concussion protocols, and we'll assess his availability for round seven as the week progresses but it's good to see his symptoms improving day by day, which is really positive news. As always, Sam's health will come first.

"It was also a relief for scans to reveal an MCL injury for Stephen which will see him only miss a couple of matches."

The GIANTS will take on the Blues on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.

Injury List – April 16