Giants lose 2 starters ahead of Texans matchup in NFL Week 7

The New York Giants have suffered another significant injury blow ahead of their NFL Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans . Safety Jevón Holland and tight end Theo Johnson have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Houston, leaving the Giants without two starters as they prepare for an important NFC East-versus-AFC matchup. The Giants were already expected to be shorthanded defensively after linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Greg Newsome II were ruled out earlier in the week. Now, losing Holland adds another major concern to a secondary that is already dealing with injuries. MORE: Bold predictions for Week 7 of 2026 NFL season Giants take another hit to their secondary Holland’s absence could be particularly costly against Houston’s passing attack. The veteran safety has been a key part of New York’s defense since joining the Giants and remains one of the team’s important secondary pieces. New York will already be without Newsome, who suffered a concussion against the Saints, while Holland is now also unavailable after going through the concussion protocol this week. Holland was initially listed as questionable on the Giants’ final injury report, but the latest update has moved him to out for Sunday’s game. That leaves the Giants with even less depth in the defensive backfield against a Texans offense that has won two straight games after starting the season 0-4. Houston enters Week 7 at 2-4, while New York is 3-2-1 and currently sits atop the NFC East. The Texans also have several players unavailable, including safeties Reed Blankenship and Jalen Pitre, running back David Montgomery and offensive tackle Blake Fisher. MORE: Predicting upsets in Week 7 of NFL season Theo Johnson’s absence creates another offensive problem Johnson being ruled out is another notable loss for a Giants offense that is preparing to start J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Johnson has been a key part of New York’s tight end rotation, and his absence could create even more opportunities for the already heavily targeted Isaiah Likely and the Giants’ other tight ends. That becomes especially important as McCarthy makes his first start for New York after replacing Jameis Winston in last week’s loss to New Orleans. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown after entering the game, earning the starting opportunity against Houston. The Giants now have to make that quarterback change while also adjusting their offensive personnel. Johnson’s absence removes another familiar target and could affect how New York approaches the passing game. With Holland and Johnson both ruled out, the Giants will miss starters on both sides of the ball. Combined with the earlier losses of Edmunds and Newsome, New York is entering Sunday’s game with a significantly depleted roster. For a Giants team at 3-2-1 and trying to hold its position in the NFC East, the injury situation could make an already challenging road matchup against Houston even harder. —  Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter  —