Tremaine Edmunds reportedly out for the season; Giants face a defensive reshuffle in Houston

The Giants are preparing to play Houston without their leading tackler. Tremaine Edmunds will miss the rest of the season with a torn chest muscle, a source told ESPN's Jordan Raanan on Friday. New York's own injury report ruled him out for Sunday with a shoulder designation.

The Giants did not announce a season-ending decision in that update. For Sunday's lineup, his absence is already confirmed. The longer-term outlook comes from ESPN's reporting.

Edmunds had 50 tackles and two sacks through six games, according to ESPN. He also handled the defensive calls through the helmet communication system. Losing that role makes the adjustment more than a matter of replacing a name on the tackle chart.

Replacing the calls as well as the tackles

Raanan reported that Micah McFadden will take Edmunds' place and is expected to handle the communication with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Coach John Harbaugh said Friday that the Giants had considered McFadden one of three starting-caliber middle linebackers, alongside Edmunds and Arvell Reese.

That gives New York an experienced option, not a guarantee of an unchanged defense. The immediate test is how cleanly the group gets aligned and communicates adjustments in Houston. A replacement's tackle total alone will not answer that question.

What the team has confirmed for Sunday

The Giants also ruled cornerback Greg Newsome II out with a concussion and listed tight end Theo Johnson as doubtful with a neck injury. Cornerback Paulson Adebo was questionable with a knee injury after his injured-reserve practice window opened during the week. A practice-window opening is not itself a game-day clearance.

Sunday's inactive list and any roster moves will settle the remaining availability questions. Friday's report already establishes that the Giants must change important parts of their defensive lineup.