A rookie fifth-round draft pick who most didn’t expect much from, Connelly tore his ACL in the Giants’ week four win against the Washington Redskins as he landed awkwardly while making a tackle on quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Before the injury, the youngster emerged as the young defense’s top linebacker, tallying 20 combined tackles, one sack and two interceptions in just four games.Connelly’s motor, as well as his instinctual ability to shoot gaps are skills that have made Giants fans excited about his potential as a long-term starter.
In its first game without Connelly, Bettcher’s unit gave up a season-high 211 yards rushing.