Kayvon Thibodeaux, the New York Giants’ star outside linebacker, underwent wrist surgery on Wednesday morning after suffering a fractured scaphoid bone in his right wrist during the team’s win over Seattle. While head coach Brian Daboll hasn’t provided a clear timeline for his return, he did express cautious optimism that Thibodeaux could return this season, though the situation remains “week to week.”
Thibodeaux played through the injury in Seattle, logging 47 of 58 defensive snaps. Given the surgery and the nature of the injury, the Giants may consider placing him on injured reserve (IR), which would sideline him for at least four games. Daboll has yet to confirm whether that will happen, indicating the team is still evaluating how long Thibodeaux might be out. If Thibodeaux is placed on IR, the earliest he could return would be for the Giants’ Nov. 10 game in Munich against the Panthers.
In the meantime, Azeez Ojulari will step into the starting role opposite Brian Burns. Ojulari was previously a starter before the Giants traded for Burns in the offseason, pushing him to a backup role.
Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of his potential but has struggled with consistency in his first two seasons. He is aiming to solidify his status as a premier edge rusher this season, with 16 pressures so far, and will be eligible for a contract extension after the season. Additionally, the Giants will need to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option, which would be worth about $16 million in 2026.
Thibodeaux has played his best football in recent weeks, posting his two highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades of the season against Dallas and Seattle. However, his overall pass-rush grade of 62.3 remains lower than his rookie season grade of 67.3. His absence will be a significant challenge for the Giants as they prepare for upcoming games against the Bengals, Eagles, Steelers, and Commanders.
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