The Giants’ rookies reported to training camp on Tuesday, but one of them, tight end Theo Johnson, arrived with a hip flexor issue and was placed on the physically unable to play list.
The extent of his injuries is unknown, but they are not expected to cause long-term permanent damage.
Johnson will be able to work with trainers while on the PUP list and can come off the list whenever he’s deemed ready to take the field.
The rookies are practicing a week before the veterans are due to report on July 23. The first full-squad practice is July 24.
Johnson, a fourth-round pick out of Penn State in the NFL Draft, is expected to immediately compete for playing time and possibly a starting spot alongside Daniel Bellinger, who returns for his third season with the Giants.
This position has become vacant following the retirement of Darren Waller.
Johnson has a large build (6-foot-6, 259 pounds) and stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism. In 44 games (29 starts) as a collegiate athlete, he recorded 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns.
