Giants avoid the worst with Micah McFadden injury after terrifying Week 1 scene
Contrary to popular opinion, not everything that happened in the Week 1 loss was the worst-case scenario for the Giants.
Linebacker Micah McFadden, who initially was feared to have suffered a season-ending injury when he was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg in the first quarter against the Commanders, was back on the sideline during the second half.
McFadden was undergoing further testing Monday on his leg and foot before a recovery timeline could be established.
If McFadden is going to be week to week, he could land on injured reserve for a minimum of four weeks.
“I think he thought when he was out there laying on the ground that he broke his leg,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “I know he didn’t do that, but getting some other things looked at here.”
The Giants turned to Darius Muasau — a 2024 draft pick who has drawn high praise internally — to play 38 snaps in place of McFadden.
On Muasau’s second play off the bench, Jayden Daniels targeted him in coverage for a 7-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz.
“Man, seeing Micah go down was bad,” edge Brian Burns said. “That’s a tough loss. People don’t know how valuable he is to this defense. He flies under the radar a lot, but Micah is a baller. I just hope his injury isn’t too serious.’’
McFadden is coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and is playing for a contract in 2026.
Punter Jamie Gillan handled the opening kickoff before kicker Graham Gano reclaimed his usual duty for the next two kickoffs.
The second-year NFL dynamic kickoff rules force teams to land returnable kickoffs between the 20-yard line and goal line or put the kicking team’s defense in a bind by giving up better starting position.
“Jamie is good at some of those kicks with this new kickoff rule and where to put it,” Daboll said. “We’ve been working on that between Jamie and Graham on kickoffs, particularly for that first game.”
'May Soak Up More Minutes And Usage' – Boston Celtics’ Sharp-Shooter Predicted to Have Breakout Season
The Boston Celtics could have an interesting season ahead of them. Their best player, Jayson Tatum, will miss the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. The Celtics also had a good number of quality players who either left in free agency or were traded. No one knows how the 2024 NBA champions’ upcoming campaign will turn out.
Boston traded fan favorite point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for a younger Anfernee Simons. Star big man Kristaps Porzingis was also traded by the Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks, via a three-team deal. Backup center Luke Kornet wasn’t brought back by the team and signed with the San Antonio Spurs.
With the moves that have happened over the summer, there’s no guarantee that the Celtics will be a competitive team next season. But one thing is for certain: sharpshooter Sam Hauser will have an increased role with the team.
HoopsHype’s Michael Shearer predicted that Hauser will have a great year with the Celtics. He’s set to enter his fifth season in the league and has only averaged below 10 points. But with more playing time next season, Shearer believes the career 42% shooter from downtown will have a breakout year.
“But Hauser may soak up more minutes and usage than people expect, particularly if the Celtics end up trading Anfernee Simons,” Shearer predicts. “Hauser is the team’s most reliable remaining marksman in an offensive system that prizes three-point attempts more than any other. He should get up an eye-popping number of triples next season.
Last season, Hauser appeared in 71 games, averaging 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds on 41.6% from deep. Without Tatum, the 6-foot-8 wingman could get more opportunities on the floor and develop into one of the best outside shooters.
Boston Celtics’ youngster gave an update on Tatum
Recovering from an Achilles tear is never easy. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is likely the only player who has returned from the injury and is still at the top of his game.
The Boston Celtics are making sure Tatum is on the right path for his recovery so he can return to his normal self. Upcoming third-year forward Jordan Walsh gave an encouraging update on the six-time All-Star. According to him, the five-time All-NBA player has been moving around much better than before, which is a good sign for fans and those monitoring his case.
“We’ve seen him so often,” Walsh said. “I’ve seen him from when he messed up his Achilles to now, and it’s a big difference. He’s moving around way better. So, he’s progressing well. I’m definitely happy to see him getting back healthy.”
Walsh also said that Tatum being in the gym encourages him to work on his body and his game.
