New York Giants: A Crucial Janoris Jenkins Injury Update

New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins suffered a terrifying injury against the Detroit Lions. Thankfully, it doesn’t appear to be a severe issue.

The New York Giants endured mountains of criticism for giving cornerback Janoris Jenkins a five-year contract worth $62.5 million. That average of $12.5 million per season was seen as a risky investment given Jenkins’ erratic play with the St. Louis Rams.

Unfortunately, Jenkins’ bid for an All-Pro selection may have been cut short by a devastating injury.

Jenkins has played at a legitimately elite level for the Giants, matching up with No. 1 wide receivers and routinely containing their best efforts. Unfortunately, he left New York’s Week 15 battle with the Detroit Lions with what’s been called a back injury.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Giants are optimistic that Jenkins avoided a serious injury against the Lions.

That’s a delightful revelation that Jenkins himself corroborated in a text that he sent to Josina Anderson of ESPN. Per Raanan:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the same.

That’s reason to breathe a massive sigh of relief.

Through 14 appearances, Jenkins has 48 tackles, including 43 solo, as well as 1.0 sack and a forced fumble. He already has three interceptions, 17 passes defended, and a career-high four stuff at or before the line of scrimmage.

Along with Landon Collins, Damon Harrison, and Olivier Vernon, Jenkins has been one of the most valuable players on the Giants’ vaunted defense.

Jenkins is the Giants’ highest-rated cornerback on Pro Football Focus, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie joining him in renown and prominence. Jenkins is the No. 5 ranked cornerback overall, including a No. 1 ranking in the NFC.

The only cornerbacks who are ranked higher than Jenkins are Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, Casey Hayward, and Malcolm Butler.

With just two weeks remaining in the regular season and New York closing in on a postseason berth, the Giants could be devastated by Jenkins’ absence. He shouldn’t come back until he’s ready, but knowing there’s no internal damage is promising already.

Here’s hoping Jenkins can make a full recovery and help the Giants pursue a fifth Lombardi Trophy.

If nothing else, one can’t help but be thankful to know he’s