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Giants Holding out Roster Move on Player Injured in OTAs
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- Giants Holding out Roster Move on Player Injured in OTAs
When Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles tendon in May, everyone assumed his 2026 season was over as well.
Yet, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, that may not be the case.
According to Duggan, the New York Giants are holding off on placing the interior defensive lineman on injured reserve while holding out hope he could be back late in the year.
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Robertson-Harris started all 17 games with the Giants a year ago, amassing 35 tackles and one pass defended. The Giants were hoping he would be part of a group that would replace Dexter Lawrence , who of course was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in April.
But Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles at OTAs on May 21.
Giants Holding out Hope Roy Robertson-Harris Could Play in 2026
Robertson-Harris is about to turn 33 on July 23 and is unlikely to play at least until December. Still, Duggan referenced a Harbaugh quote from last month that explained the Giants' thinking.
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"Harbaugh said they're holding off on that season-ending transaction because Robertson-Harris could return late in the season," Duggan reported in The Athletic on Thursday. "There's precedent, as Giants safety Ar'Darius Washington tore his Achilles last May as a member of the Ravens and returned in Week 15."
Washington played the final four games for the Ravens, under Harbaugh, and posted a sack and seven tackles. The Baltimore Ravens did ultimately place Washington on IR but not until September, when it could deem him eligible to return.
Roy Robertson-Harris may end up on Injured Reserve Anyway
Just because Washington returned doesn't mean Robertson-Harris will. Washington is seven years younger than the D-tackle and is carrying substantially less weight than the 315-pound Robertson-Harris.
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But the Giants also have an array of talent at D-tackle and will only need one or two while running a base 3-4 defense under Dennard Wilson.
Plus, they may need a roster spot that the injured Robertson-Harris is occupying.
"The question is if it will be worth preserving a spot on the 90-man roster until cut day for Robertson-Harris," Duggan wrote. "[He] was due to start but isn't a difference-maker."
So Robertson-Harris landing on season-ending IR is ultimately the most likely outcome, if he isn't outright released.
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This is the final year of Robertson-Harris' two-year contract, and New York doesn't need three 30-somethings -- along with Shelby Harris (34) and D.J. Reader (32) -- on the defensive line. Plus, 2025 third-round pick Darius Alexander is poised to break out in 2026.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
