Giants DT Dexter Lawrence placed on IR

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was placed on injured reserve Monday with an elbow injury labeled "long term" by head coach Brian Daboll.

Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who had a career-high 9.0 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2024, is certain not to play in December with NFL rules on IR requiring players to miss four games.

"Obviously, he is our rock in the middle there," Giants linebacker Micah McFadden said Monday. "Not only on the field, but he's our captain and our leader off the field. He's a voice within our locker room and especially on the defensive side of the ball. It's a big blow to us."

Lawrence left Thursday's 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the second half and didn't return.

The third of five captains at the beginning of the season to be out the picture, Lawrence joins left tackle Andrew Thomas on IR. Quarterback Daniel Jones was released on Nov. 23.

"As a big guy inside he calls for a lot of attention, so that's a big loss for us," outside linebacker Brian Burns said. "But, more importantly, I'm worried about his well-being."

Lawrence said he dislocated his elbow in the third quarter and was one of three Giants defensive linemen injured on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys. Daboll said after the loss at Dallas he would have an update on Rakeem Nunez-Roches (stinger) and D.J. Davidson (shoulder) later this week.

The Giants (2-10) also placed tight end Theo Johnson on IR and signed Cory Durden off the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad on Monday but could have additional roster spots to fill before facing the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

--Field Level Media REUTERS