Giants' Theo Johnson Clarifies Status After Being Ruled Out vs. Cowboys With Illness

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson's status was clarified Saturday after the team ruled him out of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys due to an illness.

Johnson attended Friday's NBA game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden, and when questions arose regarding why he was out in public while dealing with an illness, Johnson wrote in an Instagram post, "I am not sick."

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Giants cleared the air by noting that Johnson has an infection, "not the flu or COVID, where being around other people is a risk."

A fourth-round pick out of Penn State by the Giants in 2024, Johnson took a significant leap forward this season.

He finished with 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns, all of which eclipsed the numbers he put up as a rookie.

With No. 1 wide receiver Malik Nabers missing the majority of the season after tearing his ACL, Johnson emerged as a key target for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Johnson led the Giants in touchdown catches and was second only to wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in receptions and receiving yardage.

That didn't lead to much team success for the Giants, who are just 3-13 entering their season finale against the Cowboys.

Still, there is reason for optimism with regard to the Giants in 2026 and beyond thanks to the amount of young talent they have on their roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Johnson is near the top of that list, as he is only 24 years of age and has already shown that he can be a quality starting tight end in the NFL.

If the Giants find the right head coach to lead the way, they could prove to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 campaign.