Giants Rookie Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux Out Three Weeks
In a shocking development, the Giants have lost top pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to a sprained MCL. The rookie is expected to be out three to four weeks. Although the season opener against Tennessee is theoretically possible, it seems more likely that he will sit out the home opener against Carolina. His injury is a significant blow for the Giants, who have been without a stud pass rusher since the departure of Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck.
kayvon thibodeaux has a sprained MCL
Kayvon Thibodeaux isn’t out for the season, but the injury will put him on the shelf for three to four weeks. The Giants edge rusher suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was sprained his medial collateral ligament when he was hit by Bengals tight end Thaddeus Moss.
Giants coach Brian Daboll confirmed that Thibodeaux is going to have further tests on his knee. While the Giants aren’t rushing him back, a sprained MCL could mean up to a month off the field. Despite the injury, Thibodeaux still expects to play a big role in the Giants defense. He was listed as the starting outside linebacker during the preseason.
he could need up to a month of recovery time
Giants rookie linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux could miss at least three games this season after he suffered a knee injury against the Bengals on Sunday. The injury was not as severe as first feared, but it could keep Thibodeaux out of the lineup for weeks or even months. His right MCL is sprained, but the meniscus and ACL remain intact. Thibodeaux is doubtful for the Giants’ opener against Tennessee on Sept. 11.
Thibodeaux had been limited by the injury and did not play very well against the DAL. In his limited playing time, he registered only one pressure and a pass breakup. He also lost his edge on two DAL runs to the outside. In general, he looked tentative and didn’t have the power game he has to make tackles.
he replaces azeez ojulari as the top pass rusher in the 2022 draft
If Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux both perform well in their first two NFL seasons, the Giants and Bills have a strong chance of being among the top five pass rushers selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Thibodeaux is a ferocious pass rusher, who had 19 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss during his collegiate career. He would be a complementary piece to Ojulari, and could even run away with rookie of the year honors.
Ojulari had a solid rookie season with the Giants in 2018, but Thibodeaux will eventually be a star opposite him. He has a knee injury that could hamper his development this year, but he will eventually catch up to Ojulari in terms of production.
he replaces azeez ojulari with his own name
With Azeez Ojulari ruled out for Sunday’s game, Thibodeaux will step into the starting lineup in his place. The Giants’ offensive line desperately needs a pass rusher, and this could be the perfect opportunity for him to make his name. He played in college with Andrew Thomas, who is now the Giants’ offensive line coach.
Ojulari is five to ten pounds heavier than Thibodeaux, but he’s still an excellent player for the Giants. At 254 pounds, Ojulari should be more durable in Year 2 than he was in his rookie season. Ojulari showed his speed and bend off the edge during his rookie season, so he has a good chance to give the Giants a legitimate pass rush for the first time in nearly a decade.