The New York Giants will be missing their most prolific defensive backfield playmaker when they face the Houston Texans on Sunday, as safety Jevon Holland was officially downgraded from questionable to out while clearing concussion protocol.
Although Holland traveled with the team to Houston, he will not suit up for the contest. His absence coincides with quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first career starting appearance for the Giants.
Team officials and coaching staff had anticipated that Holland might clear the league’s concussion protocol in time for the matchup. The safety managed to return to the practice field on a limited basis during Thursday and Friday sessions, raising hopes for his availability. However, he failed to show the necessary final improvement required to play, resulting in his first missed game of the 2026 season.
To compensate for Holland’s absence, the Giants are expected to turn to Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington to fill the safety positions. The secondary’s depth faces further strain as Tyler Nubin remains listed as questionable due to a neck injury that sidelined him during last week’s 34-27 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.
Holland’s unavailability compounds a difficult stretch for the New York defense, which has already absorbed severe long-term losses earlier in the campaign. Edge rusher Brian Burns suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3, followed by inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who was lost for the season in Week 6.
Through the first six games of the season, Holland was an indispensable anchor for the unit, playing all 380 defensive snaps. His impact included a game-saving interception in the end zone that preserved a Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Currently, Holland leads the team with three interceptions, alongside two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 30 total tackles.
In addition to the defensive setbacks, the Giants will also be missing tight end Theo Johnson. Johnson was downgraded from doubtful to out due to a neck injury and did not make the trip to Houston with the team.
