The Giants shore up inside linebacker depth by signing Neville Hewitt to the practice squad as injuries mount. McFadden is IR with a foot issue, Muasau concussed, Flannigan-Fowles nursing a calf, and Bozeman/Board stepping in behind Okereke. Hewitt, a 11th-year veteran with Dolphins, Jets and Texans, adds seasoned depth and special-teams know-how to a thinning room. A Dalen Cambre visit hints at further evaluation, with signing uncertain.

Fantasy-minded readers should note Hewitt’s arrival could cap value for reserve LBs until McFadden and Muasau heal. If Cambre lands on the practice squad, depth across defense and ST could shift again. Dallas looms soon, testing the Giants’ depth and special-teams efficiency as rosters stabilize.

Giants bolster the defense by elevating Elijah Garcia and Swayze Bozeman from the practice squad to help the front seven and special teams as injuries tighten the depth chart. With Rakeem Nunez-Roches doubtful and Micah McFadden on IR, New York pivots to veteran-ready depth behind the line and at inside linebacker while cap space remains tight.

Coming off a 21-6 loss to Washington, the Giants travel to Arlington for a Sunday matchup with Dallas at 1:05 p.m., where the new depth will be tested and future roster moves could hinge on any cap relief. The move signals a practical, depth-first approach as they chase a stronger division start.

Micah McFadden to IR opens a midseason LB vacancy for the Giants. Bobby Okereke and Darius Muasau are set to carry heavier load in Dallas Week 2, testing the spine of New York’s defense.

Xavier Gipson joins Big Blue via a claim and instantly adds a versatile playmaking threat and return option, potentially easing pressure on the passing game as Cam Skattebo looks to amplify his power running profile with increased reps.

Micah McFadden will undergo foot surgery and miss a significant portion of the season, likely shortening his time in 2025. New York GM/coach staff expect a return later in the year as Darius Muasau steps into a larger role. Xavier Gipson was claimed off waivers from the Jets, adding a return/game-breaking element to the Giants’ special teams. Muasau’s expanded duties should boost IDP upside for fantasy owners while Gipson’s avenue to meaningful touches remains limited but noteworthy.

McFadden’s contract-year timeline adds urgency for Muasau to seize the opportunity, and for Giants defenders to minimize the drop in tackles. The Waivers move for Gipson signals Giants’ intent to fortify depth and versatility, potentially affecting usage patterns for special teams and situational offense. Overall, Muasau’s workload and Gipson’s role are the two fantasy levers to monitor in the coming weeks.

McFadden will undergo surgery on his right foot and miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. Darius Muasau steps into the Giants’ middle, paired with Bobby Okereke, as NYG navigates an opening-week injury blow. Washington Commanders and a potent Dallas Cowboys offense loom, putting immediate pressure on NYG’s run defense and the reshaped linebacker corps for fantasy managers.