Giants place Kyler Fackrell on IR, activate three from reserve/COVID-19 list

The New York Giants had fewer than 24 hours to fully appreciate having their status atop the NFC East standings cemented through the start of the upcoming weekend. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the Giants confirmed that linebacker Kyler Fackrell has been placed on injured reserve due to the calf issue he suffered during last Sunday's 19-17 win at the Cincinnati Bengals that improved Big Blue to 4-7. 

Fackrell, who played for the Green Bay Packers from 2016-2019, has been a revelation for the Giants defense during his first 11 games with Big Blue. The 29-year-old is tied for second on the Giants with three sacks, and he took an interception 46 yards to the house for a touchdown during a thrilling yet heartbreaking 37-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 11. 

Due to an NFL rule for the season held amid the coronavirus pandemic, a player on IR must miss a minimum of three games. Over that time, Big Blue's defense will face Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Cleveland Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield. 

Fackrell could be eligible to return for a showdown with the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 27. 

It wasn't all bad news for Giants fans on Tuesday, however, as Big Blue also activated tight end Kaden Smith, offensive tackle Matt Peart and wide receiver/returner Dante Pettis off the reserve/COVID-19 list. All can participate in Wednesday's practice and could play against Seattle this Sunday.