The New York Giants' $54 million man has been watching from the sidelines since Week 1. Paulson Adebo suffered a knee injury in the win over the Dallas Cowboys, and he has been on the injured reserve since.
The third-most expensive player on the roster is finally set to return, though. Adebo was cleared to practice this week, and he was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
If he's ready to return to the field for Big Blue's Week 7 matchup with the Houston Texans, he could provide some much-needed support to the Giants' cornerback room. That is, assuming he can bounce back from a discouraging offseason.
Paulson Adebo can regain his Giants role in crucial Texans matchup
Adebo wasn't exactly a home-run signing for the Giants before he got injured. In 2025, he allowed completions on two-thirds of the passes thrown his way and only came down with one interception. His mediocre play didn't come close to matching his yearly salary of $18 million.
Things got even worse for the cornerback this offseason. He dropped below Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II on the depth chart, starting the season as a backup.
But now that he's healthy, the Giants need him in a big way. Banks and Newsome II have each had their moments this season, the former being the more impactful player of the two, but they could use some help at the cornerback position. Rookie Colton Hood looks like, well, a rookie, getting left in the dust by craftier receivers.
Adding Adebo back to the lineup will give the Giants a real rotation at cornerback for the first time all season.
They'll need a rotation against the Texans. Houston may not have the most dynamic group of pass catchers, though Nico Collins is a force to be reckoned with, but C.J. Stroud has been on a tear lately.
Since Week 5, he ranks fourth in EPA per play, second in success rate, and second in completion rate. He's averaging 8.43 yards per attempt, meaning the Texans nearly pick up a first down every time he throws the ball. Stroud is playing the best football of his career and seems to have the Texans back on a postseason path after their 0-4 start.
The Giants need a win on Sunday if they're going to maintain their cushion in the NFC East, and getting that win has to start with limiting the Texans' passing game. Adebo isn't an answer on his own, but his return will certainly help New York's secondary.
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