The New York Giants have had a few injury scares to open up training camp this summer. In addition to the injuries they’ve faced on the offensive line, they have also been without rookie tight end Theo Johnson to begin camp.
Theo Johnson should return to the practice field soon
Johnson was placed on the PUP list last week as he recovers from a hip injury. However, it doesn’t seem to be a long-term injury as general manager Joe Schoen told reporters on Wednesday that he expects the rookie to be back on the field soon:
“Yeah, Theo should be back soon,” Schoen told the media ahead of Wednesday’s practice. “You’ll see him on the side. I don’t anticipate him being out very long.”
Johnson’s injury has been described by the team as a “hip flexor.” According to the American Hip Institute, a hip flexor injury typically requires “one to three weeks of rest and treatment to recover from mild conditions fully.” The Giants shouldn’t have to wait long for their rookie playmaker to return to the field.
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The Giants’ tight end room is thin without Johnson
Without Johnson, the Giants’ tight end room is looking dangerously thin. The team lost veteran tight end Darren Waller this offseason as he announced his retirement from professional football. Anticipating that decision, Schoen and his front office targeted Johnson in the NFL Draft and selected him in the fourth round.
The 6-foot-6 rookie out of Penn State is anticipated to be a focal point in Big Blue’s offense this season. Without Waller, the starting tight end job is up for grabs and could come down to a competition between Johnson and third-year TE Daniel Bellinger. Both players bring intrigue and excitement to the field, but behind them is a clear lack of depth.
In 2023, the Giants ran 12-personnel (one running back and two tight ends in the formation) on 20% of their offensive snaps — the 14th highest rate among NFL teams last season. That is likely to decrease this season due to the lack of tight end talent the team has in comparison to the talent they have at wide receiver. But still, Johnson is anticipated to play a large role this year as an athletic vertical threat up the middle of the field.
Johnson is also an excellent red-zone threat. He totaled seven touchdowns on 34 receptions with 341 yards for Penn State in 2023. The Giants’ offense struggled to convert its red-zone chances last season. Once healthy, Johnson is expected to be a big help in that regard.
