Theo Johnson

Tyrone Tracy Jr. had another great day on the ground Sunday despite losing a fumble that cost the Giants the win against the Panthers in overtime. Tracy Jr. logged another 18 carries, marking the fifth game in the last six where he received 16 or more carries. The rookie accrued 103 yards on the ground and another touchdown. With Daniel Jones struggling, Tracy Jr. and fellow rookie Malik Nabers represent a strong core of young offensive weapons that are showing some pop and would be even more impactful with better quarterback play.

Daniel Jones was just 22-of-37 passing Sunday with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. The veteran QB totaled just 190 yards passing and spread the ball around. Nabers had six catches for 50 yards on 10 targets. Wan’Dale Robinson caught four of his eight targets for 51 yards. Jalin Hyatt and tight end Theo Johnson both had four catches for 39 and 37 yards, respectively. With Jones only throwing eight touchdown passes on the season and more than 250 yards just three times, the ceiling for the pass catchers is capped. Jones himself is merely a bye week fill-in, with rushing production buoying his floor.

– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb

Malik Nabers, who has been the focal point of the Giants offense so far in his rookie season, is not progressing as hoped in the league’s concussion protocol. Nabers suffered a concussion on Thursday, September 26^th during the team’s Week 4 game against the Cowboys. He then missed the team’s Week 5 game against the Seahawks, which the Giants won 29-20.

Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Thursday Nabers was in “the same spot he was yesterday” with regard to progressing in the concussion protocol. Nabers’ next step would be to log a limited practice Friday or Saturday, but it is not looking promising he will be able to clear protocol ahead of the Giants’ Sunday night matchup against the Bengals. The rookie No. 6 overall NFL Draft pick has logged a 38.2-percent (No. 1) Target Share in the four games he has played, and is No. 1 among wide receivers in PPG scoring.

With Nabers sidelined in Week 5, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson ran the most routes on the team. Those three were also the top target earners – Slayton with 11, Robinson with 9 and Johnson with 5. They face a Bengals secondary which just gave up 348 yards passing and four passing touchdowns to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb

Theo Johnson is dealing with a hip injury and the Giants have placed him on the PUP list ahead of training camp. There is no timetable for his return, however, the Giants have indicated it isn’t serious. Johnson can be activated at any point and return to practice right away.

Theo Johnson appears to be in a tight position battle with Daniel Bellinger to be the Giants’ starting tight end. The Giants have a hole at tight end following the retirement of Darren Waller. While Bellinger has starter experience, he isn’t a receiving threat garnering only 12.3-percent targets per route run over his NFL career. Johnson isn’t a lock to be the TE1, but when he is on the field, Johnson will be the more intriguing fantasy option.

The biggest takeaway from this report is the omission of Daniel Bellinger as a candidate to earn more targets. Bellinger was the presumed starter when Darren Waller retired, however recent reports have been far from positive. Bellinger appears to be in a battle for playing time with rookie Theo Johnson, and converted wide receiver Lawrence Cager.

Fantasy managers should take fliers on the Giants’ tight ends in dynasty leagues, but the depth chart is a mess. While Johnson and Cager could be more fantasy relevant, Bellinger will earn plenty of playing time as a blocker. With a solid group of pass catchers at the receiver position too, it is unlikely any of these players are consistently fantasy relevant in 2024. Johnson and Bellinger should both be owned in deeper dynasty fantasy football leagues.

In a surprising twist Connor Hughes from SNY indicated on social media that Daniel Bellinger isn’t a lock to make the Giants’ final 52 player roster. This would be a shock considering the recent retirement of Darren Waller. Bellinger is competing for the starting tight end role with Theo Johnson and Jack Stoll.

While I expect Bellinger to make the final roster this is an eye-opening revelation from a respected media member. He could very well end up as the starter, but Johnson may be closer in the competition than most people realized. This will be a position battle to watch this Summer, but neither is a lock to be fantasy relevant even if given the opportunity.