New York Giants All-Pro DL Dexter Lawrence Not Playing Against Patriots in Week 12

Drafted 17th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Dexter Lawrence is one of the NFL’s premier defenders. He was an All-Pro last season and received a $90 million extension during the offseason. Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus graded him the NFL’s fourth-best pass rusher of the season. He is the only interior lineman in the top four.

Lawrence is far from the only Giant that is inactive this week. Starting right tackle Evan Neal is out again because of an ankle injury. The team is already on their third-string quarterback and missing starting tight end Darren Waller, among many others.

Who Will Fill in for Dexter Lawrence?

Dexter Lawrence is irreplaceable for the Giants, so his presence is going to be sorely missed. However, someone has to step up, and Jordon Riley will be the primary nose tackle. Riley is a rookie out of Oregon, who was drafted in the seventh round this year.

Honestly, it’ll probably be a long day without Lawrence in the lineup. Even with him, New York’s defense allows 4.8 yards per carry, a number that is only better than two teams. Just last week, Washington made a concentrated effort to run up the gut whenever Dexter Lawrence was getting a breather on the sideline. Let’s see if they can prevent New England from doing the same.