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Kayvon Thibodeaux surgery takes fellow NY Giants OLB off trade block

A move can't be made anymore.

By Braulio Perez

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images / John Jones-Imagn Images
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The NY Giants and head man Brian Daboll were dealt quite a blow with news that Kayvon Thibodeaux had to undergo wrist surgery. Just like that, Thibodeaux is not only set to miss the Sunday Night Football game against the Bengals, but the belief is he could end up missing 4-6 weeks.

The Giants lead the NFL with their 22 sacks, but not having Thibodeaux available is going to be rough for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Prior to Thibodeaux's injury, fellow outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari had been mentioned in quite a bit of trade rumors.

This included CBS pitching a deal that would send Ojulari to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with the Giants' pass-rush depth pretty thin now that No. 5 is going to be off the field, there's simply no way Joe Schoen can even think about trading Ojulari ahead of the Nov. 5 deal.

The NY Giants can't trade Azeez Ojulari before the Nov. 5 deadline

"Todd Bowles' defense has fared well considering its injuries on the back end, but another pass-rushing gamble could do them well. Ojulari has taken a back seat in the Giants' remade rotation."

- CBS' Cody Benjamin

Early on this campaign, Ojulari indeed has taken a bit of a back seat up front, as Thibodeaux is now working along with star offseason acquisition Brian Burns. Burns has been a bit up and down, but he's coming off a big game in the Week 5 win over the Seahawks in Seattle.

Now, it's going to be the Ojulari and Burns show until Thibodeaux is able to get himself back to full health. When Ojulari is on the field, he's no question a difference-maker, but the big problem for him is keeping himself at 100 percent.

Over the past two seasons, Ojulari has missed plenty of time due to various injuries. The Giants absolutely can't afford to see him go down again over the next month or so. And, they surely can't trade him either. Ojulari's number is now going to be called to play like he did during his rookie season when he posted eight sacks. Time to see if the fourth-year edge-rusher can deliver.

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