Okereke suffered a partial rib fracture and a dislocated pinky finger against Washington last week, but he entered Sunday's contest without an injury designation following a DNP/LP/LP practice progression during Week 12 prep. The veteran linebacker met his usual level of excellence despite the injuries, finishing in a tie for second on the Giants in stops and picking off his second pass of the year. Given the eventual winning margin of just three points, Okereke's interception in the second quarter was a game-changer, as it came with the Patriots driving deep into New York territory. Okereke returned the pick 55 yards to New England's 26 yard line, and the Giants scored their only touchdown of the contest six plays later. Okereke will get some much-earned rest and a chance to further heal from the rib and finger issues with New York on bye Week 13.
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Okereke suffered a partial rib fracture and a dislocated pinky finger against Washington last week, but he entered Sunday's contest without an injury designation following a DNP/LP/LP practice progression during Week 12 prep. The veteran linebacker met his usual level of excellence despite the injuries, finishing in a tie for second on the Giants in stops and picking off his second pass of the year. Given the eventual winning margin of just three points, Okereke's interception in the second quarter was a game-changer, as it came with the Patriots driving deep into New York territory. Okereke returned the pick 55 yards to New England's 26 yard line, and the Giants scored their only touchdown of the contest six plays later. Okereke will get some much-earned rest and a chance to further heal from the rib and finger issues with New York on bye Week 13.
Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reported Friday that Okereke is dealing with a partial rib fracture as well as a dislocated pinky finger he sustained against the Commanders in Week 11. Okereke missed Wednesday's practice while dealing with hip and rib injuries, but he logged limited sessions Thursday and Friday and is set to suit up Sunday. He had a season-high 14 tackles against Washington and has played every single defensive snap this season.
After being listed as a non-participant Wednesday, Okereke appears to be trending in the right direction. He underwent X-rays following Sunday's win at Washington, but he appears to have avoided anything serious. More clarity on his status for Week 12 will come following Friday's final injury report.
Okereke also underwent X-rays following Sunday's win at Washington, but the exact severity of his injury is still unclear at this point. If he can't practice Thursday or Friday, he'll likely end up being sidelined in Week 12.
Okereke battled a hip issue during practice this week but was cleared to play coming into the weekend. The talented linebacker showed no ill effects from the injury, posting a season-high 14 stops to lead New York. Okereke also forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered by the Giants as Washington was driving down the field late in the third quarter. Okereke has been a strong IDP play with six double-digit tackle efforts in his 11 contests so far this season.
New York's leading tackler was able to log limited practice sessions both Thursday and Friday after recording a DNP on Wednesday, and it now seems as if he's been able to move past his hip issue. Okereke has been a bright spot on a 2-8 Giants team, recording 91 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles thus far.
Okereke did not practice Wednesday, so his limited participation Thursday indicates he's made some progress. However, if he's unable to upgrade to full participation Friday, he'll probably carry an injury designation into the weekend.
Okereke played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps, as he has all season, in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. Due to that, it's hard to know how severe the injury may be or if he's really in danger of missing any time moving forward. His practice status for Thursday and Friday will be worth monitoring as the team continues its prep for Sunday's divisional matchup with the Commanders.
New York was blown out by Dallas for the second time this season, but that didn't impact Okereke's ability to rack up stops. He finished with double-digit tackles for the fifth time on the campaign, and he's up to a team-best 91 stops through 10 games. Okereke has established a reliable fantasy floor, as he's recorded at least seven tackles in all but one of his appearances this season.
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