NFL: Miami Dolphins-New York Giants Joint Practice
Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) speaks to reporters after joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The New York Giants‘ injury situation worsened on NFL Monday Night Football in Week 2. After quarterback Jaxson Dart left with a knee injury, star pass rusher Brian Burns was helped off the field late in the fourth quarter against the **Los Angeles Rams**after appearing to suffer a leg injury.
Brian Burns had to helped off the field after suffering an apparent leg injury late in the 4th quarter vs. the Rams.
Jaxson Dart's reaction says it all for the Giants with injuries piling up. pic.twitter.com/NLms8n8oVn
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 22, 2026
Burns’ status immediately became another major concern for a Giants team already dealing with several injuries.
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Brian Burns leaves game with apparent leg injury
NFL: Washington Commanders at New York Giants
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Burns appeared to suffer the injury late in the fourth quarter and needed assistance from Giants personnel to leave the field. At this point, there has been no official diagnosis or timetable announced for Burns, so the severity of the injury remains unclear.
That uncertainty is particularly significant because Burns is one of the most important pieces of New York’s defense. He was coming off the best season of his NFL career.
The Giants entered Monday already short-handed defensively. Cornerback Deonte Banks and linebacker Micah McFadden were inactive, while Paulson Adebo is also dealing with an injury that landed him on injured reserve.
Losing Burns on top of that could create another major problem for New York’s defense.
Giants already dealing with multiple major injuries
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) reacts with teammates against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Burns’ injury came during an increasingly disastrous night for New York.
Dart suffered a left knee injury on the Giants’ opening possession and was eventually ruled out. He completed just 3-of-5 passes for 20 yards before leaving, with Jameis Winston taking over at quarterback.
Nabers also left the game with an injury, but he did return later in the game. The Giants were ultimately held to just six points in a 28-6 loss to the Rams.
Now the Giants have to wait for more information on Burns.
If the defensive star avoids a significant injury, New York can breathe a major sigh of relief. But if Burns is forced to miss extended time, the Giants could suddenly find themselves without several key contributors just two weeks into the season.