When the Giants examine the autopsy of their 2017 season, dysfunction, lack of leadership and overrating the talent on the roster will all be revealed. So will the undeniable impact injuries have had on a battered and depleted roster.
The 22nd player was added to the current injured reserve list Wednesday, when linebacker B.J. Goodson’s largely absent second NFL season officially came to an end. With one game remaining, Goodson was placed on IR, putting out of its misery a season to forget. He played in only seven games and missed seven of the last nine games with a high ankle sprain that simply would not heal.
It was such a promising spring and summer for Goodson, the 2016 fourth-round pick from Clemson. He won the starting middle linebacker job and debuted with a sensational 18-tackle performance in the season-opening 19-3 loss to the Cowboys. Goodson did not come out unscathed, though, and missed the next two games with a shin contusion.
The only real traction Goodson, 26, managed was a four-game stretch in October, as he stayed on the field and looked as if he was growing into the role as a starting linebacker and defensive leader, making the defensive calls to his older, more experienced teammates. He came out of the loss to the Seahawks with a high ankle sprain, setting in motion his stay on the injury report, off the practice field and as a mainstay on the inactive list on game days. Goodson finished with 37 tackles and one forced fumble.
A day before Goodson landed on IR, Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins took up residence there. Collins on Christmas day underwent surgery to repair a fractured right forearm.
Other luminaries on injured reserve include Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, Weston Richburg, Janoris Jenkins, Jonathan Casillas, Mark Herzlich, Dwayne Harris, Keenan Robinson and D.J. Fluker.
Goodson’s roster spot was filled by wide receiver Marquis Bundy, who was signed off the practice squad. Another receiver, Canaan Severin, and defensive lineman Kristjan Sokoli were signed to the practice squad.
