Giants’ Roy Robertson-Harris tears Achilles at OTAs, out for 2026 season

New York Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles during Thursday’s Organized Team Activities in East Rutherford, New Jersey, according to people familiar with the matter. The 32-year-old was taking first-team reps at an indoor practice that was moved inside because of rain. He is expected to miss the 2026 season. The setback immediately changes plans for a defensive front that had already undergone major turnover this spring.

Robertson-Harris had been penciled in as a starting interior lineman after opening all 17 games last season. He finished with 35 tackles, including three for loss, and six quarterback hits. Coaches valued his availability and experience for a unit blending veteran additions with younger players.

The injury occurred early in the workout when Robertson-Harris reached for the back of his right leg before exiting, people briefed on the situation said. Team sources added that practicing inside trimmed field space and altered the script, though the play happened during routine team periods.

His absence shifts responsibility across the rotation and complicates practice reps as New York builds toward training camp. It also removes one of the few returning veterans from a line reconfigured after the club traded Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals last month.

Defensive line reshaped after Lawrence trade

Veteran additions expected to anchor interior

New York moved quickly after the draft to reinforce the middle, signing DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu. Reader and Harris bring years of interior production and can stabilize early downs and passing situations, while Fotu offers size for base packages.

Development track for young linemen

The staff is also counting on second-year lineman Darius Alexander and sixth-round pick Bobby Jamison-Travis to take meaningful steps. Robertson-Harris’ injury opens additional snaps through the remainder of OTAs and into mandatory minicamp, making summer development critical for that group.

Depth chart and next steps for New York

Rotation without Robertson-Harris

Without Robertson-Harris, the Giants are likely to lean more heavily on their new veterans while testing combinations across nickel and base fronts. Coaches will evaluate pairings throughout the spring to establish a pecking order before camp.

Contract and career snapshot

Robertson-Harris is in the second and final season of a two-year, $9.25 million contract. He was entering his 10th NFL season and has appeared in 134 games with 79 starts since going undrafted out of UTEP, with 246 career tackles and 19 sacks across stints with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and the Giants.

New York will continue to monitor internal options and league-wide movement as the preseason nears. Further updates on Robertson-Harris’ recovery timeline are expected closer to training camp.