The New York Giants released their final injury report for Week 18 early Friday afternoon, with tight end Theo Johnson “out” Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys due to illness.
Hours later, Johnson was on the scoreboard at Madison Square Garden while watching the New York Knicks take on the Atlanta Hawks. The appearance raised questions about how the second-year tight end could make a public appearance even though he will miss the Giants’ season finale two days later.
Johnson even posted an Instagram story on Friday night with the caption, “I’m not sick.”
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This isn’t an example of a tanking theory in which the Giants sit players out for the second straight week in hopes of acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to the team, Johnson is dealing with a non-contagious infection, “not influenza or COVID-19, as being around other people is risky.”
Interim head coach Mike Kafka was asked Thursday about Johnson’s one-week stay on the injury report. “So he still has a little bit of illness and infection and we’re working through that. So he’s just trying to clean it up and see where it goes,” he said.
Johnson was one of six Giants players ruled out in Week 18, along with cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, safety Jevón Holland, offensive lineman Evan Neal, defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.
The Giants needed to lose to the Las Vegas Raiders last week to secure the No. 1 pick. They didn’t, winning 34-10. Still, they have a chance to land the No. 1 pick, but they need help in Week 18.
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The Giants need to lose to the Cowboys on Sunday, the Raiders beat the Kansas City Chiefs and are 1 1/2 points away from the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks (a tie equals half a win).
