Giants say Micah McFadden avoided worst after terrifying Week 1 injury; tests continue

The New York Giants said linebacker Micah McFadden avoided the worst after he was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg during the first quarter of the Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders, though the team continued further testing Monday to determine the severity of the injury and a recovery timeline.

McFadden returned to the sideline in the second half of the Sept. 7 game, a sign that the injury was not the season-ending break that initially appeared to fans and teammates. Coach Brian Daboll said the team would get additional imaging and evaluations before deciding next steps; if McFadden cannot play week to week he could be placed on injured reserve, which carries a minimum four-game absence.

"I think he thought when he was out there laying on the ground that he broke his leg," Daboll said. "I know he didn't do that, but getting some other things looked at here." The Giants initially feared a serious injury after McFadden was helped off the field on a cart.

During McFadden's absence, rookie linebacker Darius Muasau, a 2024 draft pick, played 38 snaps. On Muasau's second play coming off the bench, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels targeted him in coverage on a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. Teammates expressed visible concern after the play; edge rusher Brian Burns called the sight of McFadden going down "bad" and noted McFadden's value to the defense.

McFadden, 25, is coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and is entering a contract year in 2026, making the extent of any absence consequential for both his career and the Giants' linebacker corps. The team will wait on medical updates before determining whether to carry McFadden day-to-day or move him to injured reserve.

Special teams decisions drew attention in the opener. Punter Jamie Gillan handled the opening kickoff under the league's modified kickoff rules before veteran kicker Graham Gano handled the next two kickoffs. The NFL's adjusted kickoff procedures on returnable kicks have required teams to craft new strategies for placement and coverage.

"Jamie is good at some of those kicks with this new kickoff rule and where to put it," Daboll said. "We’ve been working on that between Jamie and Graham on kickoffs, particularly for that first game." Receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, a surprise choice to return kickoffs after not doing so in his first three NFL seasons, had returns of 20 and 21 yards. Daboll said Robinson had opportunities to break a longer return but needed more sustained blocking to do so.

Offensive-line play also drew scrutiny. Daboll acknowledged his history of making lineup changes between Week 1 and Week 2 but said he was not considering personnel moves on the front five unless left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) is cleared to return and make his season debut. James Hudson (left tackle), Jon Runyan Jr. (left guard) and center John Michael Schmitz combined to allow 11 quarterback pressures against the Commanders.

The Giants will proceed with further testing on McFadden's leg and foot this week before announcing a timetable. The team’s next significant decision will center on whether to keep McFadden on the active roster while monitoring his recovery or place him on injured reserve and open the door for extended snaps by Muasau and other depth players.