Giants Make Official Announcement on Key Linebacker’s Injury
On Sunday, in the New York Giants‘ season opener against the Washington Commanders, Giants starting LB Micah McFadden went down in the first quarter with what was described as a “serious” leg or foot injury. After being down on the field and attended to by trainers for several minutes, McFadden’s right leg was placed in an air cast and he was carted off the field.
On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported that McFadden had a foot injury and would miss a “significant part of the season.” Apparently, x-rays done on Sunday were negative, but further testing revealed a serious injury to his right foot. Garafolo describes the Giants as “hoping” McFadden wouldn’t miss the entire season, and could return at some point later in it.
On Thursday, New York officially announced they had placed McFadden on Injured Reserve (IR). The move freed up space on the roster for recently-claimed WR Xavier Gipson, who had been waived by the Jets earlier in the week.
Who Will the New York Giants Turn to at Linebacker With Micah McFadden Out?
Jess Rapfogel/GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Micah McFadden #41 of the New York Giants is carted off the field during the first quarter during the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
With McFadden set to miss an indeterminate amount of time, possibly the entire season, the focus turns to who will step up to replace him. Against the Commanders, Darius Muasau took over for McFadden, to mixed results. He gave up a touchdown, but the 2024 sixth-round pick held his own for the most part. Behind him, the Giants could turn to Chris Board or Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, as well.
The reality is, New York doesn’t have a great replacement for McFadden on the roster. Muasau isn’t the worst backup linebacker, but McFadden is critical to what the defense wants to do. Next to Bobby Okereke, he forms one of the league’s most underrated linebacker duos, capable in both run support and coverage.
If this defense is to live up to what it could be, McFadden will need to be out there.
Micah McFadden Was in Line for a Big Contract Extension
McFadden was off to a strong start in his NFL career. A fifth-round pick out of Indiana back in 2022, he played rotationally as a rookie before stepping into the starting lineup in 2023, where he’s been since.
In his second season in the league, McFadden had 101 tackles, a sack, an interception, five passes defensed, and four fumble recoveries. He followed that up last season with 106 tackles, three sacks, a pass defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. McFadden stuffs the stat sheet all over, and he’s been a bright spot on a bad Giants team over the last few seasons.
While his return this season isn’t guaranteed, the lack of a foot fracture is extremely good news. Foot injuries in general aren’t easy to come back from quickly, but that, at least, provides a small silver lining.
Steelers Fans Get Crucial Update On Pittsburgh's Level Of Interest In Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing attack was not the issue in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers and this offense lit it up through the air, passing for four touchdowns and 244 yards in the 34-32 win over the Jets. Despite offseason questions about whether the team needed to add more weapons at wide receiver, Rodgers showed he could make the most of the talent currently on the roster.
The Steelers have DK Metcalf as their clear star, while Calvin Austin III continues to rise as a reliable target. Beyond those two, the rest of the production should be more of a committee approach, with multiple players contributing at key moments. This approach has kept the offense balanced, but it also highlights the lack of a true second star at the wide receiver position. Adding another top-tier receiver could take some pressure off Rodgers and open up the offense even more.
Mike Florio recently reported there is already chatter about the Steelers potentially trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is reportedly disgruntled in his current situation. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac confirmed that Pittsburgh has not shown a level of interest in acquiring a wide receiver, especially not Hill. While nothing is certain, it sounds like right now the Steelers feel very confident in Austin and the rest of the weapons on offense.
"Not likely, especially Hill," Dulac said in response to a fan who asked how likely the Steelers are to add a wide receiver.
While that does not mean a trade is impossible, it does put a bit of cold water on the news that Hill could come to Steel City. For starters, Hill has been unhappy in Miami for a couple of years now, and nothing from the Dolphins’ Week 1 performance suggests that situation is changing. If things continue to deteriorate in Miami, the situation could eventually open the door for Pittsburgh to explore a move for Hill. However, Dulac would not bet on it happening.
The Steelers clearly have a lot of faith in Austin. He put on a show in Week 1 against the Jets, catching four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Austin was a difference-maker, and if he continues to play at that level every game during the 2025 season, the Steelers’ passing attack will be just fine.
https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1965494662921404917
Steelers' Calvin Austin III In Great Spot In Pittsburgh
With Austin emerging and Metcalf already established as the team’s top target, Pittsburgh has a strong foundation at wide receiver even without a potential blockbuster addition. While Hill would certainly add star power, the Steelers have proven they can move the ball through the air effectively with the talent currently on the roster. At least in Week 1, it's a long NFL season.
Austin is in a great spot in Pittsburgh, where he has made the most of every opportunity he has been given. Now, with Rodgers throwing him the ball and following his impressive Week 1 performance, Austin is really starting to showcase what he can do in the NFL. He will look to build off of his strong showing against the Jets in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Do you still think the Steelers need help at wide receiver? Why or why not?
