The New York Giants are bracing for a tough season as star pass rusher Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL during Sunday’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Why it matters: The injury to Burns, a three-time Pro Bowler, could significantly impact the Giants' defense and complicate their efforts to stay competitive in the NFC East.
Burns went down with a knee injury in the fourth quarter, immediately grabbing at his right leg before being helped off the field.
The Giants are already without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is sidelined for the season after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.
Burns ranked second in the NFL last season with 16.5 sacks, making his absence a severe blow to the team’s defensive capabilities.
With Burns out, the Giants will rely heavily on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to fill the gap in their pass rush.
Driving the news: The injury was confirmed by multiple sources, including ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Coach John Harbaugh mentioned that an MRI would be scheduled to determine the severity of Burns’ injury.
Burns entered the game with a low ankle sprain that kept him out of practice all week, raising concerns about his availability.
He managed to play against the Titans, but the injury he sustained during the game is now feared to be season-ending.
In just three games this season, Burns had already accumulated five quarterback pressures, including four during the Titans game.
The Giants, now 2-1, face a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against the Cardinals, Commanders, and Saints, all of whom are also struggling.
State of play: The Giants' defense has struggled to generate pressure this season, managing only one sack through three games, attributed to the absence of key players.
Burns' injury compounds the Giants' difficulties, as they are already adapting to life without Dart, who was expected to lead the offense.
Thibodeaux, the fifth-overall pick in the 2022 draft, will be thrust into a more prominent role, having previously shared time with Burns in pass-rush packages.
Carter has been a reliable contributor but lacks the elite pass-rushing ability Burns brought to the team.
The Giants had hoped to develop a formidable pass rush with Burns, Carter, and Thibodeaux, but now must reassess their strategy.
The big picture: Losing Burns is a devastating blow for a team that was looking to improve after two disappointing seasons.
Burns has not missed a game since the 2020 season, making his potential absence particularly shocking for the team and fans.
He was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in 2024 for two draft picks and signed a lucrative five-year, $141 million contract.
Burns had a career-high 16.5 sacks last season and was expected to continue his dominance on the field this year.
With two years remaining on his contract, there is hope that Burns can return to form in the 2027 season, depending on the recovery process.
What they're saying: The mood within the Giants locker room reflects disappointment and concern over Burns’ injury.
“Everybody knows what Burns brings to the team,” said fellow edge rusher Abdul Carter. “I’m hoping it’s nothing too bad.”
Running back Cam Skattebo expressed empathy, saying, “That really sucks. It sucks to see anyone on the team go down, especially [Dart and Burns].”
Coach Harbaugh noted, “There is some hope there, but we won’t know until we see the MRI.”
The team is trying to maintain a positive outlook as they prepare for the next phase of the season without two key players.
By the numbers: The Giants have struggled in several areas this season, particularly in their pass rush.
New York has recorded just one sack in three games, a stark drop from their expectations.
Burns has totaled 71 career sacks over his eight-year career, making him the highest-paid player on the team.
Jaxson Dart’s surgery for meniscus and MCL damage comes with a recovery timeline of four to six months, leaving the Giants without their starting quarterback for the entire season.
Burns is in his third year of a five-year contract, which runs through the 2028 season.
What's next: The Giants need to adjust quickly as they prepare for their upcoming games without Burns.
Thibodeaux will take on a larger role, with expectations to step up as a leader in the defensive unit.
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese may also see increased playing time, as the Giants look to maximize their defensive strategies.
The next three opponents—Cardinals, Commanders, and Saints—represent potential opportunities for the Giants to secure wins, but they will need to adapt without their stars.
As the team moves forward, the coaching staff will need to evaluate their depth and make necessary adjustments to the game plan.