The New York Giants will be without starting inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds this Sunday against the Houston Texans. Edmunds has a shoulder injury that reportedly could be a multi-week issue that could land him on injured reserve.
The good news for the Giants is that starting offensive tackles Andrew Thomas (groin) and Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), and backup tackle Marcus Mbow (knee) are all expected to play.
McFadden ready for opportunity
With Edmunds out, fifth-year linebacker and former starter Micah McFadden will get the starting nod.
“If I get to go out there and play and start and do what I’ve gotten to do before, I’m excited,” McFadden told Big Blue View earlier this week.
McFadden was a full-time starter for the Giants in 2023 and 2024. In Game 1 last season, McFadden suffered a foot injury that kept him out for the remainder of the season. He admitted that “without a doubt” it isn’t easy to no longer have a starting role.
“Whenever you’re used to something, you’ve had a taste of the pie, I guess, and then you don’t get to go out there and eat with your boys anymore, it’s tough, but I think it’s just about staying present,” McFadden said. “This game is a week-to-week basis, and obviously I had a pretty upsetting first week last year, and I learned a lot through that process, though. A lot of gratitude to be healthy and just to be able to play again, and I think that’s what I found most throughout these past six weeks is just, just finding gratitude in whatever situation I’m in.”
At least for this week, McFadden will be starting again. Could he also be wearing the green dot, relaying defensive calls from coordinator Dennard Wilson?
“I’ve done it before, and I think Dennard knows that there’s a handful of guys that could all do this on our defense,” McFadden said. “Whether I am that guy or not I’ll be prepared for it. I’m glad that I have had experience doing it in the past just to, you know, so this wouldn’t be my first time.
“Obviously if that opportunity presents itself, it’s something I would take pride in and make sure I’m communicating with everybody.”
Adebo appears set to return
The Giants designated cornerback Paulson Adebo to return this week, and it looks like he could be activated before Sunday’s game.
“He’s ready to go,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a legit corner. He’s a cover corner, he tackles. He’s been a high-end corner in this league. I think he’s really determined to play that way. I think he’s finally probably healthy and ready to go. I can’t wait to see it … it looks like it’s going to be Sunday.”
With starting cornerback Greg Newsome II still in concussion protocol and ruled out, there could be immediate snaps for Adebo vs. the Texans.
Giants injury report
Out
- LB Tremaine Edmunds (Shoulder)
- CB Greg Newsome II (Concussion)
Doubtful
- TE Theo Johnson (Neck)
Questionable
- CB Paulson Adebo (Knee)
- RT Jermaine Eluemunor (Calf)
- S Jevón Holland (Concussion)
- OL Marcus Mbow (Knee)
- S Tyler Nubin (Neck)