Big blow to New York Giants: Roy Robertson-Harris suffers season ending Achilles scare after losing Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati Bengals

Sometimes, some things are unavoidable, like injuries in practice.Even before the 2026 NFL season could begin, New York Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris’ offseason practice reps were cut short due to an Achilles tear.ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles at Thursday’s OTA [organized team activities] workout.The New York Giants defensive lineman is expected to miss the 2026 NFL season. This comes a month after star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.Head coach John Harbaugh came from the Baltimore Ravens to the New York Giants, hoping to create an unstoppable defense. But losing two key players in two months’ time is bound to shatter his confidence… Roy Robertson-Harris was expected to be a starter after Dexter Lawrence’s exit.The New York Giants players were practicing indoors because of the rain. Robertson-Harris was practicing with starting players early at the indoor workout on Thursday when he reached for the back of his right leg.The injury occurred when he was rushing the passer during an 11-on-11 drill, The Athletic reported. He immediately grabbed his right leg and limped off the field cautiously. He was taken to the New York Giants facility, where the medical staff examined him.He is not the first New York Giants player to have had an Achilles tendon torn this offseason. Undrafted rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon tore his Achilles tendon only last week.Anyhow, now the New York Giants may have to completely depend on veteran defensive tackles like Shelby Harris and DJ Reader. And young players like Darius Alexander and Bobby Jamison-Travis may have to step up their respective games.Roy Robertson-Harris was present for all 17 games as a starter last year, recording 35 total tackles [19 solo, 16 assisted], and generating 12 total pressures, including 9 QB hits and 12 hurries. He played 56 percent of the defensive snaps, trailing second to three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence.In Lawrence’s absence, the New York Giants were heavily counting on Robertson-Harris. However, where there is practice, there is susceptibility to injuries --- and that is exactly what happened with Robertson-Harris.An Achilles tear at this time of the year, when the recovery period is about 9 to 12 months; the veteran may very well return for the 2027 season. By then, the 32-year-old UTEP alum will become an unrestricted free agent. An early injury equals an uncertain future.Robertson-Harris played the first year of his two-year, $9 million contract last season. And this year, he will likely spend on injured reserve.Had the New York Giants cut him, they would have created $3.35 million in cap savings while carrying a $2.4 million dead cap charge. But now that he may be headed to injured reserve for the 2026 season, his full $5.75 million cap charge could count, as reported by The Athletic.Another big blow to the New York Giants? Malik Nabers, their star wide receiver, may not be ready for opening day.NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported just hours ago that the team remains uncertain about Nabers' status.Nabers is recovering from a torn ACL and had a recent follow-up surgery.