New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden suffered a foot injury in Week 1 while tackling Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. He is scheduled to undergo surgery, per ESPN, but is expected to return later in the season. NFL Network noted that the setback will sideline him for a “significant portion” of the year.
The injury occurred during the Giants’ season-opening loss to Washington. After making the tackle—one of his three stops on the day—trainers fitted McFadden with an air cast on his right leg before carting him off the field. Darius Muasau stepped in to replace him and is expected to see more playing time moving forward. Head coach Brian Daboll shared that McFadden originally feared a broken leg, though X-rays ruled that out.
Since entering the league in 2022, McFadden has been a reliable piece of the Giants’ defense. The former fifth-round pick started seven games as a rookie and 14 in each of the next two seasons, surpassing 100 tackles in both. He also posted career highs in tackles for loss (12 in 2023) and sacks (3 in 2024).
The setback comes at a tough time, as McFadden is in the final year of his rookie contract. The 25-year-old is set to earn \$3.4 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. New York will face the Dallas Cowboys in its first game without him this Sunday.
