Bobby

Okereke

Thibodeaux was visibly in pain last weekend, so his absence is unsurprising. The Giants also ruled out his backup, OLB Chauncey Golston (neck), and listed starting DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (toe) as doubtful. Two more starters, LB Bobby Okereke (shoulder) and CB Paulson Adebo (knee) are listed as questionable. Good news for the Packers’ offense, which has been heavily scrutinized in recent weeks.

The move ends the veteran linebacker’s season. Okereke appeared in 12 games for the Giants in 2024, amassing 93 total tackles and 2.0 sacks in his sixth professional season. It was his second season with the Giants after entering the league as a third-round selection by the Colts in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He did not practice all week and has not played since Thanksgiving. Darius Muasau and Micah McFadden started at middle linebacker for the Giants against Baltimore last week and should be in line to go again.

Okereke ranks second on the team in both run-defense tackles (36) and tackles for loss or no gain (nine). His absence is significant for a matchup against the Ravens’ elite rushing attack. The Giants also ruled out G Jon Runyan (ankle) and DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder). Per beat reporter Pat Leonard, “QB Drew Lock (heel/left elbow) is out of the boot and has a chance to be the emergency 3rd.”

Head coach Brian Daboll called Okereke week to week, meaning he’s unlikely to suit up versus the Saints. Okereke has two sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pair of recovered fumbles this year. He also leads the Giants in combined tackles.

The deal reportedly includes $22 million guaranteed. Okereke is the latest ‘backer to get paid on a surprisingly robust day for the position. An every-down player the past two seasons, Okereke held up better against the run in 2022 and offers a bit of play-making juice. Although Okereke is probably ultimately just a league-average player, he is sliding into a major trouble spot for the Giants.

Schultz links Okereke to the Bears and Panthers. Coming off his rookie deal, Okereke played strong ball this past season but has had some fairly poor PFF run grades over the years. However, he turns 27 in July and should age well enough to get a few guaranteed years on the open market.

Okereke missed Week 12 as well and remains week to week after going DNP-DNP-DNP in practice this week. He’s been shaky in coverage but a volume tackler in the Colts’ two-deep zone defense. At least the Colts are welcoming back DT DeForest Buckner back to the lineup this week.

The Colts will also be without stud DTs DeForest Buckner and Denico Autry opposite King Henry and Tennessee’s dominant o-line. Okereke was responsible for four tackles and a pass deflection the last time Indianapolis squared off against the Titans. Tyquan Lewis notably got the start in practice alongside Grover Stewart Friday and will likely rotate in with Al-Quadin Muhammad in the interim.

The Colts have now signed their entire draft class. Okereke led Stanford with 96 tackles last season — playing a career-high 917 defensive snaps as an every-down linebacker. He has some lapses in coverage, but Okereke will push Anthony Walker for the starting MIKE job this summer.