NEW YORK — New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent surgery for a core-muscle injury and will miss the team's entire spring offseason program, sources told NFL Network, according to ESPN.
The procedure was performed recently, sidelining the 28-year-old through organized team activities and minicamp. Slayton is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.
Impact on Giants Offense
Slayton emerged as the Giants' leading receiver in 2024, hauling in 55 catches for 809 yards and four touchdowns across 16 games. His absence this spring leaves the receiving corps thin during critical installation periods under offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
The Giants will lean on second-year wideout Jalin Hyatt and veteran slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson during spring work. New York is expected to address the position in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins April 24.
Core-Muscle Injuries Explained
Core-muscle injuries, often called sports hernias, involve tears in the lower abdominal muscles or tendons. The condition is common among NFL players who make sharp cuts and explosive movements. Recovery typically requires six to eight weeks of rest and rehabilitation.
Slayton signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Giants in March 2024. He has been with New York since the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 draft out of Auburn.
Spring Timeline
The Giants' offseason program begins in mid-April, with voluntary workouts followed by OTAs in May and mandatory minicamp in June. Head coach Brian Daboll has not yet commented publicly on Slayton's surgery.
What we know: Slayton had core-muscle surgery and will miss spring workouts but is expected back for training camp. What's unclear: Whether the Giants will add veteran depth at receiver before the draft or rely on internal options during his absence.