Micah

McFadden

McFadden appeared in just one game last season after suffering a foot injury in Week 1. The four-year linebacker has started 36 of the 48 games he has appeared in for his career and posted back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons in 2023 and 2024 while amassing 20 TFLs, six pass breakups, and five fumble recoveries over that span. Now back with the team for 2026, McFadden will have a chance to show what he can contribute under new head coach John Harbaugh in hopes of earning a bigger deal next offseason.

McFadden injured his foot in Week 1 and is “likely to return this season.” The post sending him to injured reserve is in the drafts already. The question is just how long it will be, and based on “significant,” we’re guessing this injury will require more than the minimum required four-week stay for McFadden. Darius Muasau played the most at linebacker in McFadden’s place. It’s a small boost for the Cowboys in Week 2.

This is good news for McFadden, who was carted off the field while sporting an air cast in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. The fourth-year linebacker was spotted in a boot later in the day, but his X-rays coming back negative suggests he may have avoided the worst. We’ll likely get a full update on McFadden’s status early in the week, but his absence could be shorter than initially expected.

McFadden’s right leg/ankle got caught up under himself while he was making a tackle on Austin Ekeler. It’s too early to know the severity of his injury, but he was placed in an air cast and carted from the field. McFadden is a key contributor to a Giants defense that’s expected to take a nice step forward in 2025. He totaled 107 tackles and three sacks for them last season and has back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. We’ll provide more updates on his injury when we learn more. McFadden was later ruled out for the game.

McFadden (6'1"/240) was second-team All-Big Ten in 2021 and made third-team All-American in 2020. McFadden combines intelligence and physicality, reading plays well to put a stop to runners. His straight line speed is pretty solid, running a 4.63 40-yard dash. His lack of length is a concern, especially when linemen do get up to his level. He tested at a 9.47 relative athletic score, but he does not play at that athletic level. McFadden has limited reps in coverage but proved a formidable pass rusher. McFadden also has the leadership and motor that NFL teams want out of a MIKE. If his NFL coaches can get him to unlock the athleticism his testing shows, combined with all his other gifts could make him a massive steal on Day 3.

The bad news for the Hoosiers is that, in McFadden (6'2/232), they lose one of the most important defensive players. The good news is that the ejection occurred during the first half, so the redshirt junior will not miss any time beyond the remainder of Saturday’s game. The Hoosiers are scheduled to visit Western Kentucky on September 25.