Fans of Giants in New York had to hold his breath when hurdler rookie and fifth overall selection Kayvon Thibodeaux suffered a knee injury.
Thibodeaux was the victim of a low legitimacy rule from Cincinnati Bengals tight finish Thaddeus Moss in Sunday’s pre-season game that the Giants won 25-22 to improve to 2-0 in the month’s exhibition competitions:
While many understandably fear the worst, Thibodeaux stated after the game that he feels “fine” and has avoided a serious setback:
Looks like that’s the case.
Based on ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Thibodeaux has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain that will keep him out for about three to four weeks. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (h/t Kevin Patra) added that Thibodeaux’s ACL is still intact.
The Giants open their regular season at the Tennessee Titans on September 11. Logic suggests that the Giants will proceed with caution towards the 21-year-old, who is expected to be a defensive player and mainstay. Next out of the gate and will get ready for him. is likely to make his official NFL debut in a home game against the Carolina Panthers on September 18.
New York hosts rival Dallas Cowboys for a “Monday Night Soccer” game on September 26.
While Moss’s blow to Thibodeaux was considered “dirty” by many, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk pointed out that “blocking” is “completely legal” in this situation, meaning tight ends will not be penalized or suspended following Sunday’s action.
“Moss should aim higher, towards the hips,” Florio writes. “He can still knock Thibodeaux out of the game without the possibility of a broken knee.”
Thibodeaux scored 19 bags in a total of 30 games while with the Oregon Ducks. He scored 15 snaps and one tackle against the Bengals before the injury.
