Thibodeaux was injured vs. Seattle Seahawks
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux is “week-to-week” after undergoing wrist surgery Wednesday morning, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced during his media briefing.
Ian Rapoport reported that Thibodeaux has a fractured scaphoid bone.
Thibodeaux, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Giants, had 11.5 sacks last season. So far this season, Thibodeaux has compiled two sacks and seven quarterback hits.
Daboll refused to speculate on how long Thibodeaux would be sidelined.
“I’m not going to give you a timeline or anything like that,’ Daboll said. “I would just say he’s week to week. I’m encouraged with what I’ve heard, but you never know.”
Kayvon Thibodeaux underwent wrist surgery today and is week-to-week pic.twitter.com/eagPJYJwjy
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 9, 2024
If the Giants place Thibodeaux on IR, something Daboll said they have not yet made a decision on, he would miss a minimum of four games.
“Anytime anybody gets injured, you never want to see that,” Daboll said. “But he’ll rehab and do the things he needs to do to be ready to go.”
Per Pro Football Focus, Thibodeaux ranks 21st among 53 qualifying edge defenders with 10 hurries, 39th in pass rush pressure rate (6.1%) and 25th in pass rush win rate (13.5%).
For however long Thibodeaux is sidelined, 2021 second-round pick Azeez Ojulari will play an expanded role. With Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, Ojulari has been relegated to a part-time role. Ojulari has a sack and 10 tackles in 114 defensive snaps this season.
Ojulari had eight sacks as a rookie, but has been beset by injuries the past two seasons. He has been healthy so far in 2024.
“Azeez has been good for us,” Daboll said. “He’ll be important if Kayvon’s not there.Whether it’s Boogie [Basham], Pat [Johnson], whoever it may be, we have confidence in the guys.”
Basham has been inactive for every game so far this season. Johnson, recently claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, played one defensive snap last week against Seattle.
The Giants also have outside linebacker Benton Whitley on their practice squad. Whitley was waived off the 53-man roster before last Sunday’ game, and was re-signed to the practice squad.
Malik Nabers update
Wide receiver Malik Nabers will work on the side during Wednesday’s practice, but remains in concussion protocol.
Daboll called Nabers “day-to-day.”
“He’s feeling better,” Daboll said. “He’s still in the protocol. He’ll do some stuff off to the side outside with the training staff today.
“We’ll see how he does after he does some activity out there on the grass today.”
More injury updates
- Running back Devin Singletary, who missed Sunday’s game vs. Seattle with a groin, was expected to practice. Daboll made it seem as though Singletary would work in a limited fashion.
- Guard Greg Van Roten, who played his best game as a Giant against Seattle, will get a veteran rest day. The Giants have been careful with the 34-year-old’s workload.
- Guard Jon Runyan Jr. (illness) is not practicing.
- WR/KR Gunner Olszwski, on IR with a groin injury, is eligible to return but is not ready to begin practicing. “He’s closer, but he’s not there yet,” Daboll said.
- Linebacker Dyontae Johnson (ankle) is also eligible to return from IR, but will not yet begin practicing. “He’s in pretty good shape right now,” Daboll said. “We’re not gonna do anything with him as of yet. Getting close.”