The New York Giants sustained a number of injuries on the offensive side of the football in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They lost right tackle Evan Neal to a sprained MCL, left guard Ben Bredeson to a knee injury, and starting rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger to a broken eye socket.
Bellinger was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, providing stellar value in his first NFL season across seven weeks. He hauled in 16 receptions over 18 targets for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded a rushing touchdown, but his primary value came as a run blocker.
Bellinger showcased fantastic efficiency, opening up running lanes for Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. His value will be missed, as the Giants will likely utilize a tandem of Tanner Hudson and Chris Myarick.
New York Giants WILL get back Daniel Bellinger this season:
Luckily, though, Bellinger will be able to return at some point in the 2022 season, whereas it was previously thought he could miss the rest of the campaign.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Bellinger has successful surgery on his eyesocket, with a 2–6 week recovery. However, Fowler does believe it could be closer to 4–6 weeks, depending on the speed of his recovery.
That would essentially mean that Bellinger would return in Week 14 at the very latest, just in time for the Giants to make a stretch run for the playoffs.
Conveniently, they will have their BYE week after taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8, perfectly time for some of their injured players to recover and get back into the mix in Week 10.