Reports: Giants lose Brian Burns for the season with a torn ACL
Giants linebacker Brian Burns is assisted by the team's medical staff after being injured against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 27, 2026. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II
Giants linebacker Brian Burns played through a low ankle sprain Sunday. He won’t be able to do that with his latest injury.
Burns is believed to have torn his ACL in his right knee, according to multiple reports. He went down in the fourth quarter of a 12-7 win over the Titans at MetLife Stadium and when he was helped off the field, he couldn’t put weight on his right leg.
John Harbaugh said that Burns was aiming to have an MRI on Sunday night. Harbaugh is scheduled to speak with media Monday afternoon.
Burns hasn’t missed a game since Week 10 in 2023 when he was with the Carolina Panthers. Prior to Sunday’s win, Burns started 36 consecutive games for the Giants after they traded for him in 2024.
Burns played 25 snaps as a reserve on Sunday despite not practicing all week with the sprained ankle he suffered last Monday against the Rams. With him gone, the Giants lose one of their emotional leaders and someone who was an All-Pro last season with a career high 16 1/2 sacks.
The team already lost quarterback Jaxson Dart for the season. Now, if the reports hold true, they have to deal with not having Burns whose passion, leadership and toughness set a tone that others follow.
The Giants also have just one sack in three games, meaning there’s more pressure on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to step up and fill Burns’ role.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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