Getty New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux headlined the final Week 11 injury updates.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on November 17th and discussed the latest injury updates for players such as OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, WR Jalin Hyatt and others in Week 11.
Thibodeaux and Hyatt – as well as cornerback Adoree’ Jackson – all worked their way through the NFL’s concussion protocol this week. This process appears to be going better for the two youngsters than it was for Jackson, considering Daboll has already ruled out the veteran CB against the Washington Commanders.
The other two have a chance to play Sunday, according to Giants HC, which noted that Thibodeaux and Hyatt will meet with an independent neurological consultant after Friday’s practice. Dan Duggan of The Athletic even added that “it looks like it [the pair of draft picks are] on the way to release.”
Right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) was also sidelined in Week 11, but the rest of the updates were positive. Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari (ankle) will be “fine to play,” according to Daboll, and linebacker Bobby Okereke (hip) also appears to be headed in the right direction — having a limited practice on Thursday.
The Giants have been the epitome of the walking wounded all season, but they could be relatively healthy in Washington – barring the long-term injuries. Of course, the final decision on Thibodeaux and Hyatt will be crucial to ensuring this is true.
Big Blue has not released its final injury lists at this time.
Commanders rule out 2 players against Giants, RB Antonio Gibson considered ‘doubtful’
On the other hand, Commanders will have two “Out” tags of their own. Washington Post beat writer Nicki Jhabvala shared that fullback Alex Armah (hamstring) and defensive end James Smith-Williams (hamstring) both will not play in Week 11.
Commanders game status vs. Giants:
FB Alex Armah (hamstring) – OUT
DE James Smith-Williams (hamstring) – OUT
RB Antonio Gibson (toe) – doubtful
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2023
The bigger name to keep an eye on, however, is running back Antonio Gibson.
Jhabvala confirmed that Gibson is listed as “doubtful” with a toe injury. The Commanders still have running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. on the roster at that position.
Good news, bad news about Giants TE Darren Waller and QB Tyrod Taylor
As for long-term injuries, updates were provided this week for tight end Darren Waller and quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
On Friday, Daboll said Taylor was “making progress” in his recovery from his chest injury. The veteran quarterback still has to miss two more games, but could theoretically return after the Week 13 bye.
Waller’s status seems less optimistic.
“As far as injuries go, Darren Waller said he is working on regaining strength in his hamstring, noting that it is still in the early stages,” Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic reported on Nov. 15.
Caroll added that Waller said, “Jogging is fine at the moment, but top speed and hard training will be something she’ll incorporate over the next few weeks.”
A return after the bye week is certainly possible for the Giants tight end, but it feels like things are moving slowly at the moment. Given that the G-Men are no longer in the running, there’s no reason other than pride to push Waller back.
This could lead to a more cautious approach. Keep in mind that Waller has struggled with hamstring injuries throughout his career, and the Giants will likely make sure no damage can be done in the future before letting him take the field back.
Needless to say, Waller’s health is crucial in 2024 as the franchise shifts its focus to the final seven games.
Michael Obermüller covers the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals for Heavy.com, where he began working in 2021. A New York native and Quinnipiac graduate, his previous credits include FanDuel’s The Duel, King Fantasy Sports and Pro Football Mania. More about Michael Obermüller
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