John Michael Schmitz Jr. Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Giants vs Lions game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 14, 2025
Green light to return Week 11
Schmitz (shin) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Green Bay.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz was limited in practice all week, but he's progressed enough in his recovery from a shin injury to return Sunday from a one-game absence. He should reclaim his starting role at center, which would bump Austin Schlottmann to a reserve role.
Nov 7, 2025
Won't play at Chicago
Schmitz (shin) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz will be sidelined for his second game this season in Week 10 because of a shin injury he suffered in Week 9 versus the 49ers. In his absence, veteran Austin Schlottmann figures to start at center Sunday.
Nov 2, 2025
Won't return due to shin injury
Schmitz (shin) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the 49ers, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz went to the locker room after sustaining a shin injury early in the third quarter, and the third-year pro will not return to Sunday's game after being evaluated by medical staff. Austin Schlottmann will serve as the Giants' center the rest of the way.
Oct 23, 2025
Clears concussion protocol
Schmitz (concussion) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz was able to receive clearance from concussion protocol Thursday, leaving behind the concussion that sidelined him for Week 7. The 26-year-old will be back in his starting role at center Sunday versus the Eagles.
Oct 17, 2025
Sidelined for Week 7
Schmitz (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The third-year pro from Minnesota sustained a concussion during the Giants' Week 6 win over the Eagles and wasn't able to clear protocol in time to play Sunday. While Schmitz is sidelined, Austin Schlottmann is expected to step in and start at center.
Oct 9, 2025
Done for night
Schmitz (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday night's contest against the Eagles, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz suffered a concussion in the second half of Thursday Night Football, bringing his night to a premature end. In his absence, Austin Schlottmann has taken over at center versus Philadelphia.
May 30, 2025
Healthy for OTAs
Schmitz (ankle) has been participating in Giants' OTAs this week, John Schmeelk of the team's official website reports.
ANALYSIS
After starting the first 15 games of the regular season in 2024, Schmitz missed Weeks 17 and 18 with the ankle injury. He's expected to again start at center for the Giants this upcoming season.
Jan 3, 2025
Won't play Sunday
Schmitz (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz has yet to return to practice since aggravating his ankle injury in the Giants' Week 16 loss to the Falcons and is now in line to miss his second consecutive game Sunday. Expect Greg Van Roten to serve as the Giants' starting center again in Week 18.
Dec 27, 2024
Won't play in Week 17
Schmitz (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
The Minnesota product was held out of practice throughout the week after aggravating his ankle injury in the Giants' Week 16 loss to the Falcons, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. With Schmitz missing the Week 17 contest, Greg Van Roten is expected to step in and serve as the Giants' starting center.
Dec 23, 2024
Working through ankle injury
Head coach Brian Daboll said Monday that Schmitz aggravated an ankle injury during the Giants' 34-7 loss to the Falcons on Sunday, Matt Citak of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz registered an LP/LP/FP practice log heading into Week 15 due to an ankle injury. He played in all 59 offensive snaps Sunday, but he appears to have come out of the loss worse for wear. His practice participation over the coming week should provide a sense on his chances of playing in Week 17 against the Colts on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Dec 13, 2024
All clear for Week 15
Schmitz (neck) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Ravens, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz left last Sunday's matchup against New Orleans with a neck injury and was limited in all three practices this week. However, he appears to have the green light to play against Baltimore on Sunday. That will likely result in Jake Kubas returning to a rotational role.
Dec 8, 2024
Exits game due to neck injury
Schmitz (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Saints, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz injured his neck late in the fourth quarter. Greg Van Roten has shifted over to center with Jake Kubas taking over at right guard.
Sep 4, 2024
Left off injury report
Schmitz (ankle) was left off the Giants' injury report Wednesday ahead of Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz sustained an ankle injury during the Giants' preseason finale against the Jets, but it appears he's moved past the issue just in time for New York's regular-season opener. Expect the second-year offensive lineman to start at center for the Giants in 2024.
Aug 24, 2024
Should be fine for Week 1
Schmitz, who left Saturday's preseason game against the Jets with an ankle injury, told reporters that he has no concern of not being available for Week 1 against the Vikings, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz got rolled up on during a fourth-and-short play in the first quarter. He doesn't appear worried about the injury keeping him out long term, but he will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Schmitz started in all 13 regular-season games he appeared in last season, and he will resume his starting role at center for 2024.
Aug 24, 2024
Ruled out with ankle injury
Schmitz will not return to Saturday's preseason game against the Jets due to an ankle injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz sustained the injury on an unsuccessful fourth-and-short play, though he indicated to the trainer that he was fine while walking to the sidelines, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Schmitz is projected to be the starting center for the Giants in 2024, and while he won't return Saturday, it appears the 2023 second-round pick has avoided serious injury.
Aug 11, 2024
Returns to practice
Schmitz (shoulder) participated in practice Sunday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz had been sitting out since Monday due to a shoulder injury. He's expected to be eased back into practice, but assuming he doesn't experience any setbacks, Schmitz should be ready to line up as New York's starting center when the regular season kicks off.
Jul 29, 2024
Won't practice Monday
Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that Schmitz (shoulder) won't practice Monday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The severity of Schmitz's shoulder injury is currently unknown, but it forced him to miss Monday's practice. Once the second-year offensive lineman returns to full health, he's expected to remain the Giants' top center in 2024.
Jul 29, 2024
Won't practice Monday
Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that Schmitz (shoulder) won't practice Monday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The severity of Schmitz's shoulder injury is currently unknown, but it forced him to miss Monday's practice. Once the second-year offensive lineman returns to full health, he's expected to remain the Giants' top center in 2024.
May 24, 2024
Back in pads
Schmitz is participating in drills during OTAs.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz missed the last game of the Giants' 2023 season with a shin injury, but as of now it looks like he'll be ready to go for the start of the 2024 campaign. He figures to start at center this year.
Jan 7, 2024
Will miss Week 18
Schmitz (shin) is inactive Sunday against the Eagles, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz' absence will test the Giants' offensive line depth. Ben Bredeson will likely slide over to center, with Mark Glowinski likely to step in at right guard.
Jan 3, 2024
Tending to shin injury
Schmitz (shin) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not clear when Schmitz picked up the shin issue, but in any case, his availability for Week 18 now appears to be in jeopardy. He'll probably need to return to practice Thursday or Friday to have a chance to play Sunday.
Oct 29, 2023
Good to go Sunday
Schmitz (shoulder) is active ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz had missed New York's last two games and was questionable heading into Sunday's contest, but it now seems as if he'll be able to play through his shoulder issue. The 24-year-old should start at center for the Giants.
Oct 20, 2023
Ruled out for Week 7
Schmitz (shoulder) is ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Commanders, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz will continue to miss time due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the team's Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. In his stead, Ben Bredeson will likely have to draw the start at center versus Washington.
Oct 13, 2023
Out Sunday
Schmitz (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against Buffalo, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Friday that New York will be without Schmitz this coming Sunday, as he continues to recover from the shoulder injury he suffered during the team's Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. If Shane Lemieux (groin) is able to suit up this weekend, he'll likely start at center, and if not, Ben Bredeson is expected to fill the team's void.
Oct 9, 2023
Could remain out
Schmitz (shoulder) may not be ready to return for Week 6 against the Bills, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz suffered the injury in Week 4 and was unable to play in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. The rookie's continued absence is one of many negatively impacting the Giants' offensive line at the moment. Assuming Schmitz does miss against Buffalo, his next opportunity to play will be Week 7 against the Commanders.
Oct 6, 2023
Won't play Sunday
Schmitz (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie will be sidelined this Sunday after he suffered a shoulder injury during the Giants' Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. With Schmitz missing time and backup Shane Lemieux (groin) also ruled out, Ben Bredeson is expected to slide over from left guard to center.
Oct 2, 2023
Done for the night
Schmitz (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's contest versus the Seahawks, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz suffered a shoulder injury on New York's first possession of the game and he will now sit out the remainder of the game. Ben Bredeson will operate as the starting center in his absence.
Oct 2, 2023
Exits with shoulder injury
Schmitz is questionable to return after he exited Monday's contest versus the Seahawks in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz got injured on a failed fourth-down conversion on the Giants' first possession and he is now uncertain to return to the field. For the time being, Ben Bredeson will slide to center while Shane Lemieux takes over at left guard.
Apr 28, 2023
Links up with Big Blue
The Giants selected Schmitz in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 57th overall.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz was a mainstay on the Minnesota Golden Gopher offensive line going back to 2018 and logged 57 total appearances, including 35 starts. Not a great athlete, Schmitz plays with tenacity and has the frame to hold up at the point of attack. He'll compete for the starting center job right away in New York.
Apr 28, 2023
Links up with Big Blue
The Giants selected Schmitz in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 57th overall.
ANALYSIS
Schmitz was a mainstay on the Minnesota Golden Gopher offensive line going back to 2018 and logged 57 total appearances, including 35 starts. Not a great athlete, Schmitz plays with tenacity and has the frame to hold up at the point of attack. He'll compete for the starting center job right away in New York.