A calf injury seemingly has Abdul Carter on the wrong side of questionable for the New York Giants' upcoming showdown with the New Orleans Saints. The NFC East leaders are already without one star pass rusher, Brian Burns, so someone else has to step up, namely Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Even if Carter suits up against the Saints, he likely won't be at full strength after missing multiple practices before the contest. The 2025 No. 3 overall pick ranks first in pass rush wins (31) and is tied for first in pass rush win rate (36 percent) among edge defenders through Week 5. His presence, or lack thereof, looms large and further puts the spotlight on Thibodeaux.
It's been about answering when your number is called for the Giants to start 2026, and for better or worse, Thibodeaux's phone is ringing. He's been quiet early on, but could (temporarily) be thrust into a true every-down role and must rise to the occasion. Adding to his workload is probably the exact opposite of what the coaching staff needed, yet John Harbaugh's recent comments suggest otherwise.
Kayvon Thibodeaux has a prime chance to cash the check John Harbaugh wrote
Harbaugh addressed the media ahead of New York's clash with the Saints and backed Thibodeaux, who's been under fire. Was it just lip service? Carter's status will put that to the test — one way or another.
In Harbaugh's eyes, though, Thibodeaux has been better than his uninspiring box score indicates:
"I think you guys are underestimating what [Thibodeaux's] bringing to the table. The plays that he's making and the contribution he's making." Harbaugh told reporters. "Everybody wants to talk about stats ... but the tape is what tells the story."
Even Harbaugh agreed that analytics are "important." However, as he also alluded to, the eye test and data don't always tell the same story. The 64-year-old highlighted Thibodeaux's efforts in coverage on the final play of their perplexing 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders as a prime example.
If Thibodeaux's process is right, like Harbaugh's optimism would lead us to believe, there's no better time for it to show up than with Carter banged up. A proper get-right performance with New Orleans coming to town feels especially fitting, too.
Kayvon Thibodeaux can make Saints regret failed trade talks
The Saints were reportedly the "team most interested" in trading for Thibodeaux this offseason amid questions regarding his future in New York (h/t Dan Duggan of The Athletic). Talks ultimately fell through, with the highest offer being this year's No. 132 overall pick, which turned out to be guard Jeremiah Wright. While it's all water under the bridge now, a head-to-head matchup creates some intrigue.
Can Thibodeaux use his previous connection to New Orleans as fuel to show them what they could've had? It's not uncommon for guys to take being passed on personally, and they determined the Giants' asking price for him was too high. As a competitor, he should be eager to make them pay, and might have extra opportunities to do so depending on Carter's outlook.
Thibodeaux, who turns 26 in December, is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. He's been held without a sack through five games this season and has recorded just six tackles and one quarterback hit.
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