Dyontae Johnson, a second-year linebacker for the New York Giants, had everything going great until he missed the preseason opener due to an ankle injury.
August 10: “LB Dyontae Johnson is considered week to week with an ankle sprain,” according to a report from ESPN NYG beat writer Jordan Raanan. It’s “a tough blow” for the prospect, he continued.
Raanan said, “[Johnson has] made a strong impression in training camp + preseason.” This summer, the Toledo native who went undrafted was given some playing time with the first team. had a crucial third-down tackle and a sack against the Detroit Lions.
Does Ankle Sprain Jeopardize Dyontae Johnson’s Roster Push With Giants?
Johnson was considered a long shot for the roster coming into the spring, but as Raanan hinted, he has made a strong push in recent weeks.
Micah McFadden and Carter Coughlin, two inside linebackers, have lost time this summer, which has allowed Johnson to enter the game. And he’s seized the chance to the fullest.
Johnson was identified by beat reporter Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com as a player whose stock had increased during the preseason opener, but before to the injury update.
“Johnson capitalized on running the defense in the huddle with Bobby Okereke sitting this one out, and he has been quietly putting together a strong summer at a position that lacks proven depth,” Stapleton wrote.
“He made several splash plays, then turned what the coaches saw as a scare when he hobbled off with an ankle injury into a positive, pushing to get back in the game in the fourth quarter,” the coach goes on.
Maybe Johnson shouldn’t have come back on Thursday night in retrospect. However, Stapleton came to the conclusion that “even if the ankle injury keeps him sidelined for a bit, it’s hard envisioning this 53-man roster without Johnson right now” even after the injury.
Conversely, Dan Duggan of The Athletic feels less optimistic about Johnson’s prospects of making the team in the wake of this loss.
The beat reporter remarked, “Bad timing for a player on the bubble to miss time.”
Providing an explanation, “Micah McFadden and Bobby Okereke are set to start. Matthew Adams is guaranteed $967K by [The Giants], and special teams make him a certainty. Carter Coughlin is another experienced key ST player that they guaranteed $367K for. Darius Muasau’s value has undoubtedly increased since they selected him in the sixth round, and he has established himself as a starting core ST in camp.
“Johnson performed admirably against Detroit’s backups in camp, despite only receiving one-on-one reps due to McFadden and Coughlin’s absences. But he’s not certain to make the squad even if he misses a week or two.
Giants Reporter Predicts Carter Coughlin Cut Prior to Dyontae Johnson Injury
Ed Valentine, a member of the Big Blue View media, projected prior to the preseason opener that Johnson would start on the 53-man roster instead of Coughlin. This was not the same as his earlier estimate.
At the time, he said, “Johnson has been getting some first-team reps, and has not looked overwhelmed.” Admitting: “Deciding which special teams-first linebacker to drop was the tricky part of acquiring Johnson.”
Valentine ultimately decided on Coughlin, claiming that he “drew the short straw.” That being said, if Okereke and McFadden are not selected, there seems to be a wide-open competition for spots on the roster.
Johnson ought to be included in the starting 53, or at the at least, the practice squad, provided he doesn’t lose too much time.
Michael Obermuller started writing for Heavy.com in 2021 and covers the NFL and NHL. The Miami Dolphins, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs are among his teams of interest. Born and raised in the New York City, he graduated from Quinnipiac University. He has written for FanDuel’s The Duel, King Fantasy Sports, and Pro Football Mania. Additional information on Michael Obermuller
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