A week after losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury, the New York Giants are now dealing with a significant loss on the defensive side of the ball.
Star pass rusher Brian Burns went down during the team's Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans with a right knee injury. Multiple reports indicate that Burns' injury was a torn ACL that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Here's more to know about Burns' injury.
Brian Burns injury update
Burns' injury occurred early in the fourth quarter while he was trying to pressure Titans quarterback Cam Ward on a first-and-10 drop-back. Tennessee center Austin Schlottmann came over to get in Burns' way, and the 28-year-old edge rusher pulled up lame just after Schlottmann contacted him.
Burns
then crumpled to the ground in pain and reached for his injured knee before receiving medical treatment on the field. He was then helped off the field and did not return to the field.
After the game, Giants coach John Harbaugh told reporters the team was attempting to get Burns an MRI that night to assess the extent of the injury.
"There is some hope there, but we won't know until we see the MRI," Harbaugh said.
However, the prognosis was evidently worse than anticipated. If Burns' torn ACL is confirmed, he will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after logging four tackles and no sacks across three games.
MetLife Stadium turf injuries
Many will be quick to point out that Burns' injury occurred at MetLife Stadium, whose playing surface has been scrutinized heavily in recent years. There has been numerous non-contact injuries at the venue dating back to 2020, with the following being among the most notable:
- Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams: Torn quad, 2026
- New York Giants WR Malik Nabers: Torn ACL, 2025
- Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips: Torn Achilles, 2023
- New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: Torn Achilles, 2023
- Baltimore Ravens CB Kyle Fuller: Torn ACL, 2022
- Giants WR Sterling Shepard: Torn ACL, 2022
- Giants WR Wan'Dale Robinson: Torn ACL, 2022
- San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa: Torn ACL, 2020
- 49ers DL Solomon Thomas: Torn ACL, 2020
While many will want to lump Burns in with the group of injuries, it's worth noting the 28-year-old's ACL tear was a contact injury. Schlottmann bumped him, however mildly, before his knee gave out, so it doesn't quite fall into the same, non-contact category as those listed above.
It's also worth noting Burns had been dealing with an ankle injury in advance of the Giants' Week 3 game against the Titans. He was unable to practice but still suited up during the stormy game, playing 25 defensive snaps before exiting the contest.
Now, after his latest injury, Burns will shift his attention to getting healthy for the 2027 NFL season while the Giants will rely on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to lead their pass rush in Burns' absence.
Contributing: Jack McKessy, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brian Burns injury update as Giants pass rusher hurt on MetLife Stadium turf
