The Giants lost not only their Week 11 game yesterday, but a significant member of their receiving corps in the process. Rookie Wan’Dale Robinson suffered a torn ACL during the game, as head coach Brian Daboll confirmed Monday morning.
The news comes as little surprise after Robinson was carted off the field midway through the game. It nevertheless represents a major blow to New York’s WR room, which was already dealing with a number of injuries. The second-rounder had put up modest numbers through most of the season before the Week 11 loss to Detroit. With nine catches for 100 yards, Robinson had his most productive game to date, and logged a snap share above 70% for the second consecutive week.
The Kentucky alum’s starting role – which some felt before the regular season began would come right away amidst the Giants’ uncertainty at the position – seemed to be confirmed by October given his level of play and New York’s handling of other pass-catchers. That has included a distinct lack of playing time for high-priced signing Kenny Golladay and a trade sending 2021 first-rounder Kadarius Toney to the Chiefs.
Long before that deal had been made, the Giants were reported to be on the lookout for receiver acquisitions. None have been made during what was expected to be a rebuilding season and where the team has been hamstrung by an unenviable cap situation. Robinson joins veteran Sterling Shepard as victims of torn ACLs this season, leaving the Giants even more shorthanded at the skill positions.
Veteran Darius Slayton – who was long a trade and cut candidate this offseason, and hardly played at the start of the year – has taken on a starting role in recent weeks; that will likely continue moving forward. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan tweets that Richie James is expected to take over in the slot in Robinson’s absence. If anything, this injury should increase the Giants’ pursuit of free agent Odell Beckham Jr. New York and Dallas appear to be the two finalists to land the three-time Pro Bowler, who is expected to make a decision by the end of the month.
Even with Robinson’s contributions, the Giants rank 28th in the league with an average of 195 passing yards per game. That figure will now be in jeopardy of falling, especially if a reunion with Beckham fails to materialize. A resurgent Saquon Barkley has helped the team to a 7-3 record, of course, but the team’s run game will face even more pressure to perform with another important wideout sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
More must-reads: