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Giants Place Linebackers Bobby Okereke, Patrick Johnson on IR

Plus see what other moves the Giants made ahead of their Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Patricia Traina

East Rutherford, NJ -- August 1, 2024 -- Linebacker, Bobby Okereke after practice today at training camp for the New York Giants.
East Rutherford, NJ -- August 1, 2024 -- Linebacker, Bobby Okereke after practice today at training camp for the New York Giants. / Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The New York Giants placed inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (back) and outside linebacker Patrick Johnson (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, two moves that are season-ending for each player and which were expected.

Okereke, who last year didn’t miss a single practice or game snap, has been bothered by what’s been reported as a herniated disc in his back.

It’s unknown if he will need surgery to repair the issue, but it looks as though the linebacker/defensive captain is looking to see if rest and treatment will be enough to avoid a procedure.

Okereke finishes his second season as a Giant with 93 tackles, third on the team behind fellow linebacker Micah McFadden (102) and rookie safety Tyler Nubin (97).

Okereke also recorded six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The exact nature of Johnson’s knee injury is unknown as is whether he’ll need surgery. Usually though players who land on IR with a knee injury need some sort of procedure, though again, nothing has been said to that effect.

The Giants filled one of the open roster spots by signing defensive back Raheem Layne from their practice squad.

Layne, a safety who has thus far only contributed on special teams for the Giants, gives them a little more depth at a position where they recently lost Nubin for the season and where Dane Belton has been banged up.

The Giants also elevated outside linebacker Boogie Basham and offensive tackle Tyre Phillips from their practice squad (standard elevations) for their Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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