Giants Tight End Theo Johnson Attends Knicks Game Despite Illness, Draft Implications for Week 18
Theo Johnson, the New York Giants tight end, attended a New York Knicks game on Friday despite being ruled out for Week 18 due to an illness. Johnson has missed playing in the Week 17 win over the Raiders and did not practice all week because of this illness. The Giants described his condition on their injury report as an infection or illness that is not flu or COVID-19, noting he can be around others. Interim head coach Mika Kafka stated that Johnson still has some sickness and is undergoing treatment to recover. Notably, Johnson posted on the Knicks’ jumbotron that he is not sick, which fueled some fan speculation regarding the Giants potentially tanking for a higher draft pick. The Giants' victory over the Raiders in Week 17 means the results of their Week 18 game carry significant draft implications. If the Giants defeat the Dallas Cowboys, they could fall to as low as the No. 7 overall draft pick depending on the outcomes of other games involving the Browns, Titans, Cardinals, Jets, and Commanders. However, if the Giants lose to the Cowboys, their worst-case draft position would be at No. 2 overall. To secure the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders must win their game, along with at least two of the following results: Seahawks beating the 49ers, Browns beating the Bengals, Falcons beating the Saints, and Bears beating the Lions. This season, Johnson has recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games, with five drops noted.
