Watch: Kayvon Thibodeaux's replacement dominates vs. Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is chased by New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Watch: Giants' Azeez Ojulari fills shoes of Kayvon Thibodeaux vs. Bengals

By Austen Bundy | Last updated 10/13/24

The New York Giants lost star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux to injured reserve on Saturday after he needed wrist surgery. He's expected to miss at least four weeks as he recovers.

But his replacement, Azeez Ojulari, stepped up big time in the first half of New York's "Sunday Night Football" bout with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ojulari, 24, recorded two sacks against Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and nearly had a third. It appeared as if he thought the ball was stripped free and let go of Burrow while he looked for it on the ground.

Roughing the passer has ruined the NFL. Players afraid to get a penalty. #CINvsNYG pic.twitter.com/saeIebgwYq
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) October 14, 2024

The second-round pick out of Georgia in 2021 had a phenomenal rookie year, tallying eight sacks, but fell off slightly since then, only posting eight sacks in the last two seasons combined.

Sunday night, Ojulari got a second chance at getting significant snaps as part of New York's pass-rush in the wake of Thibodeaux's injury and he made the most of it through just one half.

WHAT A DRIVE BY AZEEZ OJULARI! 2 sacks in the final 3 plays --- he's showing up tonight in place of Thibodeaux #NYG pic.twitter.com/ONDWEstlAu
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 14, 2024

Ojulari, as of the end of the first half Sunday, has three total sacks and 12 total tackles on the young 2024 season.

With Thibodeaux out for a significant period of time, Ojulari should find himself comfortably in the starting lineup as part of New York's defense which led the league in sacks heading into Week 6.

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