New York Giants’ Dyontae Johnson week-to-week with ankle injury

New York Giants backup linebacker Dyontae Johnson, who left Thursday’s 14-3 preseason win over the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury, is now being considered week-to-week.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan was the first to report the news.

LB Dyontae Johnson is considered week to week with an ankle sprain. A tough blow. He’s made a strong impression in training camp + preseason.

The undrafted rookie out of Toledo has received some first-team reps this summer. Had a sack and key third-down tackle vs. Lions. https://t.co/Gr975plMYQ

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 10, 2024

“He was going to come back,” head coach Brian Daboll said after the game. “He was talking about it. I think he had an ankle. Injury-wise, I don’t have any update. I haven’t met with Ronnie (Barnes) or anything like that.”

On Friday, Daboll still did not have an official update on Johnson.

Johnson is in his second season with the Giants after spending 2023 on the team’s practice squad. He has a legitimate chance to make the roster (if healthy) as the Giants’ primary backup to inside linebackers Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden.

“I’ve been very pleased with him up to this point. He’s doing a really good job,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said about Johnson last week.

“I think he’s, again, fighting for a role. You know, fighting for a role. And like I tell those guys, those backup positions, special teams are going to be a vital part of that. But defensively for us, he’s done a really good job for us stepping in there, and he’s been productive.”

The injury could impact Johnson’s chances to be on that final 53-man roster in three weeks. He is being challenged by rookie Darius Muasau, who also had a strong showing on Thursday night.