Overview
- An MRI confirmed on Monday that Brian Burns tore the ACL in his right knee and he will undergo surgery that ends his 2026 season, coach John Harbaugh said.
- Burns injured the knee late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 12-7 win at MetLife Stadium after slight contact while rushing the quarterback and was helped off the field; he had been playing through a sprained left ankle.
- The Giants will shift primary pass-rush duties to Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux and are weighing practice-squad promotions and short-term veteran signings to restore depth.
- Burns was a defensive leader coming off a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2025 and his multi-year, high-value contract has analysts flagging near-term salary-cap and roster implications if he misses extended time.
- This loss follows quarterback Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury last week and leaves coach John Harbaugh and the front office facing immediate tactical and personnel decisions ahead of the team’s next game.