The hit that knocked Ike Hilliard unconscious Oct. 19 could force him to miss some games and threatens to end his season.

Hilliard, 32, still is experiencing headaches from the helmet-to-helmet blow he sustained when he was sandwiched between Seattle linebackers Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu nearly four weeks ago.

Hilliard has not missed a game since but said his condition has not improved and worried earlier this week he might need surgery.

As a rookie with the Giants in 1997, Hilliard underwent spinal fusion surgery, so the latest injury is particularly worrisome. But after consulting with doctors Tuesday, Hilliard has decided to rehab the injury and is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Vikings.

"I've been dealing with something on and off for the last five years, but now it's constant,'' Hilliard said. "Obviously, after the hit, it's something I've got to get control of.''

Hill was not fined for the hit because the league determined Hilliard had established himself as a runner. Hilliard has 33 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns this season. Against Kansas City, he tied a season high with six catches for 55 yards.

Hilliard beat some tall odds to return to the NFL. As a rookie, he took a hard hit from behind in a game against Jacksonville that snapped his head forward. Doctors fused the sixth and seventh vertebrae in Hilliard's neck.

According to MayoClinic.com, about 20 percent of people who receive spinal fusion surgery need another operation within 11 years.

"I saw three specialists. Two told me I could play again and one told me I should never step on a football field again,'' Hilliard said of his injury with the Giants. ""I had to deal with that. It's a decision you make. My mon, God bless her, I miss her, she was a spiritually-grounded woman. She was one who really didn't want me to play but she turned it over for me and we all have to turn it over at some point if you believe in something.''