The New York Giants will be without their budding pass rusher for at least the next four games.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, who underwent a surgery this week for a wrist injury he suffered in last Sunday's win over Seattle, was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, the team announced.
The former first-round pick has registered 2.0 sacks, seven pressures and seven QB hits through five games of his third NFL season. While his own totals don't jump off the stat sheet, his consistent presence has allowed teammates Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns to flourish so far in 2024.
The Giants defense currently leads the league in sacks (22.0) and ranks 10th in the league in yards allowed per game (316.0). It's a unit that has been the saving grace of Giants team that began the year 0-2, most recently surging New York (2-3) toward an upset road win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.
Thibodeaux's wrist injury was the black eye stemming from Week 5's success, but thankfully for Big Blue it will only be temporary. Azeez Ojulari, who's yet to produce a sack this season, figures to take Thibodeaux's spot in the starting lineup in the interim.
The Giants will go forward without Thibodeaux beginning with a prime-time matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.