If you weren't paying attention after the preseason, it was easy to overlook Theo Johnson not being at practice. With so much noise around the New York Giants’ electric, undefeated preseason, the second-year tight end has been flying under the radar. But now, after two straight days off the field and no updates whatsoever, it’s at least something worth monitoring.
Johnson had declared himself fully healthy this offseason following surgery to repair a fifth metatarsal fracture that ended his rookie season prematurely. The G-Men brought him along slowly early in OTAs, but he’d since been a full-go, looking faster and more confident in the passing game than ever before. He appeared ready to step into a real breakout role.
That’s what makes his absence a little curious. This isn’t about pushing the panic button or jumping to conclusions about any sort of setback, but the timing is notable. The 24-year-old missed the final five games of 2024 with that foot injury, and now just weeks away from the regular season opener in Washington, he’s suddenly not on the field.
Giants fans left in dark with undisclosed Theo Johnson injury
The team hasn’t confirmed anything — not that they have to. It’s the preseason, and they’ve had a consistent pattern of being overly cautious with players going through any injury concerns.
It’s what they did with Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and Jalin Hyatt, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson is getting the same treatment. But when a guy is supposed to be your breakout candidate, a second-year tight end projected by some to be the league’s most improved, a few days of mystery aren’t going to go unnoticed.
Players not spotted at practice: WR Da’Quan Felton, TE Theo Johnson, TE Jermaine Terry, OL Andrew Thomas and OL Josh Ezeudu.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 25, 2025
Johnson and Ezeudu have been sidelined for a stretch now. Any Thomas absence is notable, although it could be part of a maintenance plan.
WR Dalen…
Johnson was coming off a strong camp and had flashed massive potential in limited preseason reps, showing off the blend of size and athleticism that made him a popular sleeper pick in the offense.
With 53-man rosters set in stone at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, fans will get a better sense of what the tight end room is going to actually look like. Johnson will be TE1, but then it's truly a toss-up as to who the other two or three guys are.
Chris Manhertz feels like the only other roster lock, while seventh-round rookie Thomas Fidone II might've flashed enough potential to earn a spot over veterans Greg Dulcich and Daniel Bellinger. The former Penn State standout's injury or non-injury could prove to be a key decision-making chip.
It might end up being absolutely nothing... likely is. Just a minor tweak or load management. But with the G-Men set to open the season right around the corner, the Giants are probably hoping this doesn’t turn into something bigger. They need Johnson. No need to panic at all, but something to keep an eye out for, for sure.