EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Defensive end Victor Dimukeje suffered a pectoral muscle injury during preseason practices with the New York Giants last month, according to sources.
As a result, Dimukeje is expected to be out of action for a considerable time, possibly missing part of the season.
A pectoral tear typically requires a recovery period of 4 to 6 months after surgery, which could delay Dimukeje’s return until the summer.
The Giants signed Dimukeje to a one-year contract as a free agent this offseason, coming from the Arizona Cardinals. In 2023, Dimukeje recorded a career-high 4.0 sacks.
The Giants have depth at the outside linebacker position. Recently, they added Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The team also has Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Chauncey Golston, who joined this offseason. Burns and Thibodeaux have had double-digit sack seasons.
Golston comes from a season where he achieved his personal best with 5.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dimukeje was selected in the sixth round by the Cardinals in 2021, coming from Duke. He played in 55 games and accumulated 67 total tackles with four sacks during his four years in Arizona.
However, Dimukeje lost prominence with the Cardinals last season. The Giants signed him to reinforce the squad after defensive end Azeez Ojulari left as a free agent to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year.
Dimukeje was expected to benefit from a change of scenery in New York. Last season, he pressured the quarterback at a rate of 18% with the Cardinals, despite not recording any sacks.
