The New York Giants have already lost one of their free agent signings to injury, although the setback occurred at an area of strength.
“Edge rusher Victor Dimukeje tore his pec during offseason workouts with the Giants, per sources,” ESPN NYG beat reporter Jordan Raanan reported on May 8. “He’s going to miss time as a result. Dimukeje was a free-agent signing this offseason.”
Dimukeje was one of the more under-the-radar pickups this spring, overshadowed by a more prominent edge rusher signing like Chauncey Golston and, of course, first-round draft pick Abdul Carter.
A former sixth-round selection of the Arizona Cardinals, Dimukeje flashed potential as a part-time starter in 2023, recording all four of his sacks plus a forced fumble and 5 tackles for a loss. He followed that up with a quiet 2024 campaign (1 forced fumble, 2 tackles for a loss and 6 QB hits over 11 appearances).
OLB Depth Is Only Silver Lining for Giants After Victor Dimukeje Injury
Training camp injuries are frustrating for players, organizations and fans. But workout injuries are even worse.
The Giants haven’t even started camp yet, and they have already lost a new addition for a prolonged period of time.
The only silver lining here is that Big Blue has plenty of outside linebackers. And in all likelihood, Dimukeje was more of a special teamer and deep reserve than a defensive contributor. Especially after the Carter pick.
The Giants will give the lion’s share of their edge rusher snaps to some combination of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and their No. 3 overall pick. Not to mention, Golston will be utilized in some capacity, either at OLB or on the defensive line or both.
That’s a very crowded room if the remaining players stay healthy. Having said that, it’s still a major bummer to see Dimukeje get injured before he had a chance to make his presence felt.
Giants Asking Abdul Carter to Learn 5 Positions, At Least
A video of Carter is gaining national attention on social media. Originally clipped and shared via the “Giants Nation Show,” this video caught the eye of FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Schultz then reposted it for his 360,000-plus followers to see, noting that he loves Carter’s part in it.
His response: “You can add more if you want.”
Love this! 💙
(via @Giants, @GiantsNationPod)
“The Giants are already putting No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter to work — asking him to learn all five spots on the defensive line,” Schultz relayed, as the video clip revealed.
“His response: ‘You can add more if you want,’” the insider continued. A quote Carter can be heard saying within the video clip.
As the NYG coach notes within the behind-the-scenes moment, the Giants want Carter to be able to line up against both opposing offensive tackles, both guards, and even the center. That means his position could range anywhere from ROLB or LOLB to DE or DT.
No, that’s not to say the Giants will line up Carter on the interior defensive line in order to stop the run, but they will most likely move him inside on clear passing downs.
In situations like this, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Big Blue lines up Burns, Thibodeaux, Carter and Dexter Lawrence as their front four with a player like nickel corner Dru Phillips joining the secondary.
Giants Free Agent Signing Expected to ‘Miss Time’ After Torn Pec: Report