Both Dexter Lawrence and Theo Johnson suffered notable injuries during the Giants’ Thanksgiving loss. Neither player is in line to suit up again this season.
Lawrence and Johnson are now on injured reserve, per a team announcement. An absence of at least four games is thus in store, but Lawrence in particular is not expected to come back for the regular-season finale. The two-time Pro Bowler is dealing with a dislocated elbow, and his attention will turn to rehab in advance of the 2025 campaign.
In his absence, the Giants will look for short-term replacements along the defensive interior. That could prove to be challenging given the other D-line injuries the team dealt with on Thanksgiving. In a move aimed at providing depth at that spot, Cory Durden has been signed off the Rams’ practice squad. The 25-year-old made four appearances last season but has yet to see any game action in 2024.
Lawrence led the league in sacks (nine) through seven games this season, demonstrating his status as New York’s most important defensive player and one of the league’s top interior linemen. The 27-year-old inked a big-ticket extension last offseason, so it comes as no surprise the team will avoid attempting to rush him back into the fold during the closing stages of the campaign. Sitting at 2-10 on the year, the Giants are officially out of postseason contention.
Johnson’s absence will be notable as well. The fourth-round rookie has handled a notable role in the wake of Darren Waller‘s retirement, posting 334 yards and one touchdown on 29 receptions. A foot injury threatened to shut Johnson down for the rest of the campaign, and Monday’s news all-but guarantees he will indeed be sidelined until 2025. His presence will be missed on a low-output New York passing attack.
The Giants are among the teams which could wind up with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft. Given their lack of a franchise quarterback, securing the top spot in the order would be critical. Playing without Lawrence and Johnson will lessen New York’s chances of adding further wins over the closing weeks of the season.
