Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux is week-to-week after wrist surgery

The Giants will not have one of their defense’s foundational components for the foreseeable future.

Kayvon Thibodeaux underwent wrist surgery Wednesday and is considered “week-to-week,” Brian Daboll said prior to practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

According to Daboll, the injury was suffered in last Sunday’s 29-20 win over the Seahawks at Lumen Field.

The fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft has 12 tackles (eight solo, four assisted) and two sacks over the first five games of the season.

“I was shocked,” Brian Burns said, when asked for his reaction to learning that Thibodeaux will be out for an indefinite period of time. “I didn’t know. We’re all playing with banged-up injuries but I didn’t know his was that serious.”

A subsequent report by the NFL Network said Thibodeaux suffered a fractured scaphoid bone in his wrist. A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones in the wrist, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. It can be treated surgically or non-surgically, and those who have suffered a scaphoid fracture have been known to wear a cast or splint for up to six months.

It is not known exactly how long Thibodeaux will be out. Daboll used the phrase “week-to-week” five separate times when asked when and if he expects the 23-year-old to return.

It is likely that Azeez Ojulari will replace Thibodeaux in the starting lineup for Sunday night’s game against the Bengals at MetLife Stadium, but Daboll also mentioned Boogie Basham and Patrick Johnson could see playing time.

Ojulari, a fourth-year linebacker from Georgia, has been a reserve this season. He has not started any of the Giants’ first five games but has played, recording 10 tackles and a sack.

“I feel like I prepare every week the same, no matter what it is,” Ojulari said. “Just come out here and try to work, get better and execute a game plan every day. Compete.”

So does he think that there will be some growing pains going from a streamlined role to a more prominent position?

“No,” Ojulari said. “Just coming in every day and try to execute one day at a time. Whatever it is I [have to] do when I step out there on the field, I try to give it my all, try to make a play, make an impact.”

Essentially, it is an opportunity for the 24-year-old and Dexter Lawrence believes Ojulari is ready to take advantage.

“I have a lot of confidence in Azeez,” Lawrence said. “He’s been in the league for four years now. He’s made a lot of plays in this league and for this team. I sent him a text message and told him it’s his time and this is his opportunity to go and take over.”

Burns echoed Lawrence.

“Azeez is a great pass rusher,” Burns said. “He’s disciplined. He does everything right. I don’t think there’s going to be too much of a drop-off and that was kind of our main goal in our room. We don’t want to have any drop-off from me to KT and [so on].”

Thibodeaux was credited with two tackles, one quarterback hit and half-a-sack in the win over Seattle, in which the Giants defense sacked Geno Smith seven times and recorded 10 quarterback hits.

“We did a good job,” Burns said. “It was a nice job of getting after him.”

Notes & quotes: Daboll said wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is “doing better,” but “still in the protocol.” He took part in some on-field activities away from the practice field . . . Running back Devin Singletary (groin) practiced in a limited fashion, but Daboll believes he is “trending in the right direction.” . . . Guards Greg Van Roten (veteran day) and Jon Runyan Jr. (illness) did not practice . . . Daboll weighed in on the Jets’ decision to fire Robert Saleh Tuesday morning. “It’s an unfortunate part of the business,” Daboll said. “[I] got a lot of respect for Robert [and I] wish him and his family the best.” . . . The NFL announced Isaiah Simmons was named NFC Special Teams Players of the Week. Simmons blocked Seattle kicker Jason Myers’ 47-yard field-goal attempt in the final minute of the win over the Seahawks. Bryce Ford-Wheaton recovered the loose ball and returned it 60 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.