Giants' Micah McFadden to miss significant time after foot injury; Darius Muasau likely to step in

New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden is expected to miss a significant portion of the season after suffering a foot injury in the opening game, a development that suddenly thrust backup Darius Muasau into a larger role.

McFadden was injured during the Sept. 7 game against the Washington Commanders and was carted off the field. Initial X-rays ruled out a broken leg, but subsequent imaging showed a more serious foot injury that will keep him out for an extended period, The Post confirmed. Team officials have characterized the absence as substantial, though the exact timetable for his return has not been released.

Darius Muasau, who filled in for McFadden during the game, is expected to be the next man up for the Giants as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Muasau saw meaningful snaps after McFadden was removed and is slated to handle increased linebacker responsibilities while the team adjusts its personnel grouping.

The injury also opens the door for rookie Abdul Carter to contribute in a different capacity. Carter played inside linebacker for two seasons at Penn State before transitioning to an edge-rushing role; the Giants could deploy him on early-down packages as a complementary defender alongside veteran Bobby Okereke. Coaches will likely evaluate multiple lineup options in practice this week as they determine how to mitigate the loss of McFadden.

McFadden’s injury represents an early disruption to New York’s linebacker rotation and could force the Giants to lean more on depth players and situational packages. The club had hoped to get sustained looks at several younger defenders this season, and while the injury to McFadden accelerates that process for some, it does so under unwelcome circumstances.

The Giants have not announced roster moves tied to the injury, and it is unclear whether they will place McFadden on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games under NFL rules. The team will evaluate recovery timelines and treatment options in the coming days and release further medical updates as appropriate.

McFadden’s absence will be monitored closely by New York’s coaching staff and front office as they balance short-term needs with longer-term plans for player development and depth. For now, the immediate impact is a shift in defensive personnel and an elevated opportunity for Muasau and other young players to contribute on an increased basis.