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Can the Giants Beat the Texans Without Johnson and Holland?
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- Can the Giants Beat the Texans Without Johnson and Holland?
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson and safety Jevon Holland have been ruled out for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans. Johnson is dealing with a neck injury, while Holland remains in concussion protocol.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Saturday that the Giants downgraded both players to out. Johnson had previously been listed as doubtful, while Holland carried a questionable designation on the team's final injury report.
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The absences leave New York without two contributors on opposite sides of the ball as it prepares for Sunday's road game in Houston.
Johnson's status became a concern after he was limited in practice earlier in the week before missing Friday's session. The tight end had been working through a neck issue, and the Giants ultimately ruled him out rather than risk playing him before he was ready.
Holland's absence is another concern for New York's secondary. The safety had been working through the NFL's concussion protocol after the Giants' Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Although he returned to limited practice later in the week, he was not cleared to play against Houston.
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New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Giants are already dealing with other injury absences. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, and cornerback Greg Newsome II, who is dealing with a concussion, were ruled out earlier in the week. Holland's absence further limits New York's available defensive personnel against the Texans.
New York enters Week 7 with a 3-2-1 record and sits atop the NFC East. The Giants are coming off a 34-27 loss to the Saints and will try to respond against a Houston team that holds a 2-4 record. The Texans have won their last two games, giving them an opportunity to improve their standing with a home victory.
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With Johnson unavailable, the Giants will need their remaining tight ends to handle his responsibilities in the passing game and blocking schemes. On defense, New York will have to adjust its safety rotation without Holland.
The Giants and Texans meet Sunday, Oct. 25, at NRG Stadium in Houston. New York will then enter its Week 8 bye, making Sunday's game its final opportunity to add a win before the break.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
