The New York Giants best laid plans to replace tight end Darren Waller may have already gone awry, after the team confirmed rookie Theo Johnson has begun training camp on the PUP list.
Johnson, the Giants’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, “has a hip injury,” according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. The latter did report “There is hope that it’s not a long-term problem.”
That hope concerns Johnson’s status as the most likely member of the depth chart to replace Waller’s receiving skills. The Pro Bowl tight end hung up his cleats for good this offseason after spending just one year with Big Blue.
Waller’s decision left the Giants scrambling for replacements. Some low-key moves in free agency were followed by selecting former Penn State star Johnson with the 107th pick.
There’s every chance Johnson can flip mid-round status into an early starting role in the pros. Especially since the rest of his position group is populated by blocking types.
Yet, for things to work out that way, Johnson needs to be on the field and getting up to speed in head coach Brian Daboll’s offense. Prolonged absence during this crucial period on the offseason calendar represents a spanner in the works the Giants could do without.
This article will be updated.
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