The Giants exited their Thanksgiving loss with several injuries along the defensive line, including an elbow dislocation which might keep Dexter Lawrence on the sidelines for the rest of the year. The team’s offense could also be shorthanded the rest of the way.
Rookie tight end Theo Johnson is dealing with a foot injury. Head coach Brian Daboll said on Friday (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post) the ailment could end his campaign. If that turns out to be the case, his season will draw to a close after spending notable time as the team’s top pass-catching tight end.
Of course, that role was set to remain with Darren Waller heading into the 2024 season. Waller retired in June, however, creating a opening for Johnson to see a notable workload on offense right away. The 23-year-old Canadian competed for the top pass-catching role during training camp, and with a snap share of 84% he certainly carved out a notable spot on the Giants’ offense. Johnson received at least five targets in a game five times prior to getting injured, including each of the past four contests.
In all, the Penn State product has racked up 331 yards and one touchdown on 29 catches this year. The Giants have struggled on offense with and without Daniel Jones at quarterback, and losing Johnson would leave the team without an important skill position contributor over the final weeks of the campaign. Lawrence Cager was released from the practice squad with an injury settlement last month, leaving Daniel Bellinger in line to step into an increased workload on offense moving forward.
Five games remain in the Giants’ season, and the team has been eliminated from postseason contention. As a result, it would come as no surprise if Johnson were to be shut down for the rest of the season once further testing is done on his foot. In that event, his attention would turn to 2025 and the possibility of regaining a key role on offense through the remainder of his rookie contract.
Lucky SOB
You forgot Dulcich…Super Bowl here we come!
Brian Daboll should miss the rest of the season too. He needs to be fired.