The New York Giants suffered a sudden and significant blow on Saturday after officially placing edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux on season-ending injured reserve due to a lingering shoulder injury, abruptly ending any hopes of a late-season return.
Thibodeaux, who has been sidelined since Week 10, had been working toward a possible comeback and was widely believed to still be in play despite the Giants’ difficult 2-12 season. Interim head coach Mike Kafka had recently expressed optimism that the former first-round pick might be able to return before the season concluded. That possibility was shut down with Saturday’s roster move.
The fourth-year defender finishes the season with 2.5 sacks across 10 games, a disappointing stat line for a player expected to anchor the Giants’ pass rush. His absence leaves a noticeable gap on the edge, forcing New York to rely more heavily on depth players as it prepares for the final stretch of the season.
To fill Thibodeaux’s roster spot, the Giants activated cornerback Art Green from injured reserve. Green appeared in eight games earlier this season before missing time with a hamstring injury. The team also elevated rookie kicker Ben Sauls, who is set to make his NFL debut, and second-year defensive tackle Elijah Chatman from the practice squad ahead of the matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
With Thibodeaux officially shut down, the Giants are now left without one of their most important defensive pieces, further highlighting the challenges of an injury-plagued season. The move underscores the team’s focus on protecting Thibodeaux’s long-term health, but it also leaves a clear defensive void as New York closes out another difficult campaign.
