Giants WR Braxton Berrios To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

“Two of my last three seasons ended this way and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t miserable right now,” Berrios wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, his 31st birthday.

As a member of the Dolphins in 2024, Berrios succumbed to a season-ending ACL tear in October. He returned to play just four games with the Texans last year and made another four appearances with the Giants this season.

New York signed Berrios and fellow veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster during a June 1 discount shopping spree at receiver, but Berrios is the only one who is still in the organization. The Giants released Smith-Schuster in August and cut ties with Beckham after he made no impact over their first three games. Beckham’s release paved the way for the Giants to sign Berrios from their practice squad. Berrios had already maxed out his three standard gameday elevations at that point.

Like Beckham, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Berrios went without a reception this season for a team that has relied on tight end Isaiah Likely and wideouts Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields as its go-to pass catchers. However, Berrios did factor in on special teams. Serving as the Giants’ primary return man, the eight-year veteran and one-time first-team All-Pro averaged 27.6 yards on five kickoffs and a mere 2.5 on four punts.

Head coach John Harbaugh indicated Monday that the Giants intend to find Berrios’ replacement from within, saying (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post): “I think our first look would be internally, yes. We have guys that have been here practicing, who are in the system, know what they’re doing or are preparing for this opportunity. I’m sure we’ll turn over every stone, too. But sometimes the best stones are right under your feet.”

It is likely the Giants will turn to Charlie Jones, whom they promoted from their practice squad ahead of Week 4, to fill Berrios’ role. Making his Giants debut in a 36-24 win over the Cardinals, the former Bengal returned three kickoffs for 69 yards and two punts for 29. Along with Nabers, Fields and Darnell Mooney, Jones is one of only four receivers on the Giants’ 53-man roster. The NFC East leaders could elevate Jalin Hyatt, Dalen Cambre and/or Dontae Fleming from their practice squad before they face the division-rival Commanders on Sunday.