The New York Giants’ disastrous 2023 season hit another low point on Thanksgiving, as they suffered a 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in a game that was far less competitive than the scoreline suggests. The defeat, their ninth of the season, compounded an already dreadful year for the franchise. However, the biggest blow came off the field: star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is now expected to miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated elbow.
Lawrence sustained the injury during the Thanksgiving game and was seen in a sling shortly after leaving the field. Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed the worst on Friday, stating, “I would say that I anticipate it being a long-term injury, the rest of the season. Still going to have to take a look at a few different things, but not very optimistic about it.”
For a team already in free fall, losing Lawrence is catastrophic. The 25-year-old defensive tackle was not only the team’s best player this season but also one of the NFL’s most dominant interior defenders. Through 12 games, Lawrence racked up nine sacks, 44 tackles (eight for loss), and 16 quarterback hits—elite production for his position.
His absence leaves a gaping hole in both the Giants’ defense and their locker room. As the longest-tenured player on the roster and a leader in the trenches, Lawrence’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. His injury all but ensures the Giants’ defensive struggles will worsen during the final stretch of the season.
To make matters worse, the Giants’ defensive line is now paper-thin. Linemen D.J. Davidson and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches are also dealing with injuries, leaving the team scrambling to plug the gaps. With a porous run defense already ranking among the NFL’s worst, the loss of Lawrence could turn an Achilles’ heel into a full-blown disaster.
The Giants will likely be forced to elevate players from the practice squad and scour the free-agent market for temporary solutions. However, the reality is clear: there’s no replacing a player of Lawrence’s caliber, and the Giants’ defensive line will be in survival mode for the rest of the season.
At 2-9, the Giants’ season has long been a lost cause, but this latest blow could have far-reaching consequences. With five games remaining, the team’s continued free fall might seal head coach Brian Daboll’s fate after just two seasons at the helm. Last year’s playoff appearance feels like a distant memory, replaced by mounting questions about the direction of the franchise.
For Lawrence, the injury could cost him individual accolades. Despite his dominant 12-game performance, voters may deem the shortened sample size insufficient for postseason awards consideration.
For the Giants, though, the focus shifts to damage control. A season already marred by poor performances, injuries, and uncertainty is now spiraling further out of control. As the team limps toward the finish line, the loss of Dexter Lawrence epitomizes a year that has been nothing short of a nightmare.
The Giants’ remaining schedule offers little relief, and without their best player, the road ahead looks bleak. Fans can only hope that brighter days are on the horizon for a franchise in desperate need of stability, direction, and a fresh start.