With the 2022 season quickly winding to an end, the New York Giants have an opportunity to secure a playoff spot with a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. They need all hands on deck to get the job done, making the health of second-year pass rusher Azeez Ojulari that much more important.
Ojulari suffered an ankle injury just before halftime against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. He played 22 defensive snaps, tallying a sack and a few stops in the run game.
Across just six games, Ojulari has recorded 19 total pressures, six sacks, four quarterback hits, and nine hurries. He’s also tallied eight stops and two forced fumbles. There is no question he can be an elite pass rusher at the NFL level, but remaining healthy has been an issue for the 22-year-old up to this point.
The Georgia product has sustained a few calf injuries that have mitigated his consistency in 2022 but suffered an ankle injury against Minnesota. However, x-rays returned negative, according to the New York Post. Ojulari indicated that the ankle was sore but that he hopes to play against Indianapolis this upcoming Sunday in a massive game.
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The New York Giants need their top defenders healthy down the stretch:
The defense could surely use his presence alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has had himself a solid rookie campaign, making a few impact plays along the way.
In fact, it is possible that the Giants get back star corner Adoree Jackson, who was injured on a punt return back in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. Jackson has been stellar as the team’s CB1, so getting him back against the Colts would boost their secondary tremendously.
Indianapolis is prepared to make another quarterback change with Nick Foles taking over, so their passing game may suffer once again. However, they can’t sleep on second-year receiver Michael Pittman, who’s capable of big performances. Jackson’s availability is essential in limiting his production, especially with Foles under center, who’s won a Super Bowl in his days.