Brian Burns

Per Duggan, Burns is “scheduled to undergo surgery to repair both injuries” today. His “repair” terminology is unfortunate because it indicates that the meniscus tear was significant enough that a trim would be insufficient. Burns, 28, could face a longer recovery timeline than initially expected, but players are recovering from serious injuries fairly quickly these days. Burns suffered these injuries on September 27th. His teammate, Malik Nabers, suffered similar injuries on September 28th last year, yet was ready for the 2026 season opener.

The Giants have now lost key starters in back-to-back weeks due to serious knee injuries. Burns will undergo season-ending knee surgery in the coming days and should be ready to go for the start of next season if all goes well. The veteran pass-rusher totaled four tackles this season and failed to record a sack.

It’s another tough blow to the G-Men, who lost Jaxson Dart in Week 2 due to a knee injury in Week 2 against the Rams. Burns was active for Week 3 despite dealing with an ankle injury, but exited early in the fourth quarter and did not return to the field. Once the injury is confirmed, Burns’ 2026 season will officially come to an end. The 28-year-old pass-rusher tallied four tackles this season and did not record a sack.

It feels like an aggressive questionable as Burns officially missed all three days of practice this week, but it’s likely a good sign for his availability for Week 4. Joining Burns as questionable are CB Deonte Banks (calf) and S Tyler Nubin (calf) as the Giants try to right the ship with Jameis Winston under center.

Burns, 28, has had poor injury luck in recent seasons. He currently accounts for three quarterback pressures and three tackles. The Giants field a deep pass-rushing unit, though, so their D/ST should be okay against the Titans in Week 3.

Burns was among the key Giants who went down with injury in a blowout loss to the Rams. Burns suffered the sprain in the fourth quarter and needed help getting to the sideline. Harbaugh said the team diagnosed Burns with a low ankle sprain. That could mean he won’t miss much time. New York’s defense, which has struggled through two games — giving up the NFL’s fourth highest offensive success rate — could be even more vulnerable without Burns in the lineup.

Burns told reporters that he expects to play on Sunday, which is good news because he managed just one limited practice session this week. Giants rotational EDGE Chauncey Golston has been ruled out with a neck injury of his own. Burns ranks second on the team in quarterback pressures (26) and first in sacks (eight).

Defensive backs Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland were also held out of practice. The good news is that Burns, who has nine sacks this season, told reporters he fully expects to play on Sunday. Barring a surprise, the NFL’s sack-leader will be ready to face the Eagles by kickoff.

Burns and Wan’Dale Robinson reportedly collided during Friday’s practice. Both players returned to practice on Sunday, though Burns participated only in individual drills. He appears to be okay.

The move was made in order to sign No. 3 overall pick EDGE Abdul Carter to his four-year, $45.255 million contract. The Giants had just $1.6 million in cap space prior to Burns’ contract tweak. Burns remains under contract through the 2028 season.

Unwelcome news for Michael Penix Jr.'s starting debut, but the rookie never expected things to be easy. Inactive for the G-Men are QB Tim Boyle, CB Greg Stroman, CB Dee Williams, CB Divaad Wilson, OG Aaron Stinnie and DL Casey Rogers.

Two of the Giants’ best remaining defenders are questionable to play this week. Burns managed just one limited practice (Friday) while CB Deonte Banks (rib) remained limited all week. Both players are at risk of missing Michael Penix’s first career start, elevating his fantasy-scoring potential.

Burns told reporters he had his ankled rolled on “pretty bad” on Sunday. He wasn’t spotted at Wednesday’s practice. His status for Week 16 is obviously in doubt. Even if he could push through the injury, the Giants have their sights set on the No. 1 overall pick, so there’s no reason to rush Burns back.