Brian Burns believed to have torn ACL in Giants win
Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL during the New York Giants' 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, according to sources cited by ESPN and NFL Network. The injury, suffered in the fourth quarter, would end the three-time Pro Bowler's 2026 season and deepen New York's early injury crisis.
ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Brian Burns is believed to have sustained a torn ACL. Big Blue View, citing Rapoport, said it was a torn right ACL and called the injury season-ending.
Key Takeaways
- Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL in Sunday's Giants win over Tennessee.
- He went down early in the fourth quarter and did not return.
- A confirmed tear would end Burns' 2026 season.
- New York is already without quarterback Jaxson Dart for the regular season.
- The 2-1 Giants are expected to lean on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
What happened to Brian Burns against the Titans?
Burns suffered a knee injury early in the fourth quarter of New York's 12-7 victory and did not return. Big Blue View said he was holding his knee on the ground in obvious pain and pounding the turf in frustration.
He had been playing through a low ankle sprain suffered late in the prior week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Per Big Blue View, he did not practice during the week, making his availability a surprise in rainy conditions.
Coach John Harbaugh told reporters Burns would undergo an MRI and that there was "some hope" about the injury, according to ESPN and Big Blue View. Monday's reports indicate that outlook has darkened.
How does this affect the Giants' season?
The potential loss is another major blow for the 2-1 Giants in John Harbaugh's first season. Two weeks after losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart—who underwent surgery Friday to repair the meniscus and MCL in his left knee after a Week 2 injury—New York may now be without its star pass rusher for 2026.
NFL.com reported the Giants will lean on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, with possible role tweaks for rookie linebacker Arvell Reese. Big Blue View also cited Chauncey Golston and practice-squad edge Trace Ford as depth options on a defense that has been uneven through three games.
Follow more Celebrity Breaking News coverage as MRI results and recovery timelines emerge.
Why is Brian Burns such a critical loss?
Burns ranked second in the NFL with 16.5 sacks last season, behind only Myles Garrett. He entered Sunday with four tackles through three games and generated five quarterback pressures in those contests, including four against Tennessee, per Next Gen Stats.
The three-time Pro Bowler had not missed a game since the 2020 season and has 71 sacks over his eight-year career. An ACL tear would end that durability streak and force New York to replace one of its premier edge threats for the rest of 2026.