Surgery sidelines former Auburn wide receiver during offseason work
The New York Giants expect the veteran pass-catcher to be ready for training camp in July.
Olivia Bennett 
Former Auburn standout Darius Slayton is taking a step back from the field this week as the New York Giants kick off their organized team activities (OTAs). While the veteran wide receiver is currently sidelined, Giants coach John Harbaugh confirmed the team expects him to be fully cleared for action when training camp begins in July.
Slayton underwent surgery in April to address a sports-hernia injury, a lingering issue that he reportedly played through during the 2025 season. Harbaugh noted that the decision to have the procedure now was made to ensure Slayton reaches 100 percent health before the intensity of the upcoming season ramps up, as reported by ESPN.
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Veteran Presence
As he prepares for the upcoming campaign, Slayton remains the Giants' leading returning receiver. He tallied 37 receptions for 538 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Following the departure of Wan’Dale Robinson, who signed with the Tennessee Titans, the former Tiger finds himself even more integral to the Giants' offensive plans.
Since being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton has put together a productive career with 296 catches, 4,425 yards, and 22 touchdowns across 106 regular-season appearances. He is currently on the verge of climbing into the top 10 of the franchise's all-time receiving list, trailing by just 195 yards.
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Slayton’s tenure in New York has been defined by his reliability and commitment to the team. After navigating a pay cut in 2022, he solidified his future with a two-year deal in 2023, followed by a three-year, $36 million contract in 2025 that kept him in the Big Apple.
Giants' Injury Landscape
The Giants are also managing the recovery of standout receiver Malik Nabers. After a stellar 2024 rookie campaign, Nabers had his 2025 season cut short due to a complex knee injury. Harbaugh acknowledged that while Nabers is working hard daily, his status for the start of the season remains difficult to predict, with the goal being a return sometime during training camp.
To bolster their depth, the Giants were active in free agency, adding Calvin Austin III and former Gadsden City star Darnell Mooney. Mooney arrives after a 2025 stint with the Atlanta Falcons, while Austin joins from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team held its first round of OTA practices this week, utilizing these non-contact sessions to integrate new talent while key veterans like Slayton work toward full health.
