The New York Giants are making significant roster changes ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. punter Matt Haack One of the most impactful decisions has been placing outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux on injured reserve.
This move comes after Thibodeaux sustained a wrist injury during the team’s recent game against the Seattle Seahawks, which required surgery earlier this week. The third-year player will be sidelined for at least four games, a significant loss for the Giants’ defense.
So far this season, Thibodeaux has been a key contributor, tallying 2.0 sacks, three tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits across the first five games. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays has been crucial for the Giants, making his absence felt on the field. As the team adjusts to his loss, they will need to rely on their remaining linebackers to step up and fill the gap left by Thibodeaux.
In response to these injuries, the Giants have signed veteran punter Matt Haack to the active roster. Haack brings a wealth of experience, having begun his career with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in 2017. He later played for the Buffalo Bills in 2021, where he worked closely with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, providing familiarity within the organization.
Last season, Haack participated in all 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his reliability as a punter. He also had a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns this year. Over his career, Haack has punted 432 times in 99 games, averaging 44.5 yards per punt, with 160 of those inside the 20-yard line, demonstrating his effectiveness in pinning opponents deep in their territory.
The Giants have also elevated wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins and running back Dante Miller from the practice squad to bolster their roster. This move comes as punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring), running back Devin Singletary (groin), and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder) have all been downgraded to out after being listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. These adjustments reflect the team’s ongoing struggle with injuries and the need for depth as they prepare for a crucial game against the Bengals.
As the Giants navigate these roster changes, their ability to adapt and find new contributors will be key to maintaining competitiveness in a challenging NFL season.