In the Giants’ season opener against the Washington Commanders, linebacker Micah McFadden suffered a “serious” leg or foot injury in the first quarter. After several minutes of on-field treatment, his right leg was placed in an air cast before he was carted off.
By Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported that McFadden had sustained a foot injury that would sideline him for a “significant part of the season.” While initial X-rays came back negative, further testing confirmed major damage. Garafolo noted the Giants are “hoping” he can return later this year rather than miss the entire season.
On Thursday, the team officially placed McFadden on Injured Reserve, opening a roster spot for wide receiver Xavier Gipson, who had just been claimed off waivers from the Jets.
Who Will the New York Giants Turn to at Linebacker With Micah McFadden Out?
With McFadden sidelined for an unknown stretch—potentially the entire year—the question now is who can fill his role. Against the Commanders, rookie Darius Muasau stepped in and delivered mixed results. The 2024 sixth-rounder surrendered a touchdown but otherwise held his ground. Beyond him, the Giants could look to Chris Board or Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for help.
The problem is New York doesn’t have an ideal replacement. Muasau is serviceable, but McFadden is central to the defense’s identity. Paired with Bobby Okereke, he forms one of the league’s most overlooked linebacker tandems, strong against both the run and in coverage.
For the Giants’ defense to reach its full potential, they’ll need McFadden back on the field.
Micah McFadden Was in Line for a Big Contract Extension
McFadden had been building a promising NFL career before the setback. Drafted in the fifth round out of Indiana in 2022, he began as a rotational player before earning a starting role in 2023 and holding it ever since.
In his sophomore season, he posted 101 tackles, one sack, an interception, five pass breakups, and four fumble recoveries. He followed that with 106 tackles, three sacks, a pass defensed, a forced fumble, and another recovery last year. Consistently filling the stat sheet, McFadden has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling Giants roster.
Though his return this season remains uncertain, the fact that he avoided a fracture is encouraging. Foot injuries are notoriously tricky, but that detail at least offers a bit of optimism.