New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams left Sunday’s 37-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers with an elbow injury and was unable to return.
“He is going to get an MRI and we will see what that is. He wants to play every game and I know that hurts him beyond the pain of the injury to not be out there with his teammates, but we will see where he is at. Hopefully, it is something short-term,” head coach Joe Judge told reporters following the game.
Unfortunately for Williams and the Giants, the injury does not appear to be minor.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Williams suffered what is feared to be a “significant” elbow injury — one that could cost him the rest of the season.
#Giants DE Leonard Williams suffered an elbow injury on Sunday that is feared to be significant, sources say. He’s having tests done, but he’s going to miss time. And given how late it is during the season, there is a chance he doesn’t return.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2021
Williams signed a three-year, $63 million deal with $45 million guaranteed this past offseason. That came on the heels of a career-best season and the hopes for several more.
In 13 games this year, The Big Cat had recorded 62 tackles (26 solo, four for a loss), one forced fumble, one pass defensed, 10 QB hits and 5.5 sacks. He also owns the Giants’ highest Pro Football Focus grade at 75.2.
If Williams is unable to return this season, Austin Johnson will likely see a significant increase in snaps.
