The New York Giants seemed to get a truly dynamic player in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with Kadarius Toney. In Week Five, Toney put together an electric receiving performance on the road against the Cowboys. The 20th overall pick in the draft caught ten passes on thirteen targets for 189 receiving yards. The Giants lost that game, but fans walked away feeling confident in the future of their first-round rookie. Since then, though, Toney has struggled to get on the field and is now officially OUT for Sunday’s season finale, ending his rookie season prematurely.
The Giants officially ruled Kadarius Toney OUT on Sunday with a shoulder injury today. Kadarius’s last game this season was against the Eagles in Week 16. In all, the Giants only got ten games out of their first-round pick this season.
In ten games, Kadarius Toney was able to rack up 39 catches, 420 yards, and a disappointing 0 touchdowns. Toney flashed elite potential at times this season and displayed why he was a first-round pick. But altogether, Toney’s rookie season will be forgettable as it was bogged down with injuries.
What does the future hold for Kadarius Toney?
Giants wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert commented on Kadarius Toney’s injury-riddled rookie season:
“I think for the long haul, it’s knowing what to do and taking care of your body because obviously, no one knows your body more than you. He has to take care of his body a little more, learn from other guys, what kind of routine they have, and pray and stay healthy.” – Tyke Tolbert on Kadarius Toney
The potential is there for Kadarius Toney to be a premier playmaker in the Giants’ offense. But will he ever be able to stay healthy enough to reach this potential? That is the chief question surrounding Toney entering the 2022 offseason.
The 2021 season did not go as planned for the New York Giants. Their offense was abysmal. The Giants struggled to score touchdowns as neither Kadarius Toney nor Kenny Golladay has reached the end zone with one game left on the schedule. But that is not to say these acquisitions are busts just yet.
The Giants fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett mid-season. The offense also suffered a slew of injuries that held the team back this year. If the Giants can hire a competent OC replacement and stay healthy in 2022, the emergence of Kadarius Toney will begin.