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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants attends the game between the New York Knicks against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Fans of the New York Giants will have to wait at least one more week to see one of their best defensive players back in action. Interim Giants HC Mike Mafka confirmed on Friday that edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
“Yeah, [Thibodeaux]’s out, he’s out, yeah,” Kafka said in his press conference on Friday.
Thibodeaux hasn’t played since Week 10 against the Bears, as he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury and did not practice at all this week. On the season, he has 25 tackles, three sacks, and two passes defensed.
New York Giants Interim HC Mike Kafka on Thibodeaux’s Timeline
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 02: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
“No, there’s still a ton of optimism,” Kafka said on Thibodeaux’s recovery. “You watch him, you guys saw him come out yesterday and do some drills. I think he’s fired up and ready and, you know, preparing himself to get out there with the players. It’s just about when he feels comfortable, when the doctors feel really good to clear him and get him out there.”
Those who are experienced listening to coaches’ press conferences will notice that Kafka didn’t say much at all in the above statement. Kafka might verbalize optimism to the media, but the fact that Thibodeaux hasn’t practiced at all in weeks is a much more ominous sign for his return. Until he returns to practice, it’s safe to assume he’s not nearing a return.
The good news for Giants fans is that New York still has one of the best defensive lines in the league, even with Thibodeaux out. DT Dexter Lawrence is an absolute monster at nose tackle, ED Brian Burns is an elite pass rusher off the edge, and rookie first-round ED Abdul Carter shows a lot of promise. The Giants have even gotten production from guys like ED Chauncey Golston, DT Roy Robertson-Harris, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, and rookie DT Darius Alexander.
The New York Giants are Evaluating New Head Coach Options
At 2-11, the Giants were one of the first teams eliminated from the playoffs. They’ve lost seven straight and face the Commanders this week, followed by the Vikings, Raiders, and Cowboys to close the season.
But that doesn’t mean New York doesn’t have anything left to play for over the last four weeks of the season. Aside from the obvious — draft positioning — the Giants have a lot of young players they want to get a look at and continue to evaluate, including rookie first-round QB Jaxson Dart.
Additionally, after firing former HC Brian Daboll midseason, New York is on the lookout for a new head coach. They won’t be able to conduct any interviews until the regular season concludes, but make no mistake: they’re keeping an eye out. The top candidates this cycle are expected to be Rams DC Chris Shula, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, and Chargers DC Jesse Minter.
Ethan Woodie is an accomplished sports writer specializing in the NFL and college football for Heavy.com. He’s written for Heavy since 2025 and has years of experience writing for NFL Trade Rumors and Pro Football Focus (PFF). Woodie is an expert in draft scouting and his final 2025 Big Board was included in Arif Hasan’s media consensus board for Wide Left. More about Ethan Woodie
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