Colts’ Nick Foles carted off after sack by Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux, who celebrates next to injured QB

The Giants rolled all around the Colts within the first half of the 2 sides’ Week 17 matchup, occurring to win 38-10 to clinch a playoff spot. One of New York’s defining early performs, nevertheless, got here with some controversy. After sacking quarterback Nick Foles to finish an Indianapolis drive within the ultimate minute of the second quarter, Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrated whereas mendacity on the bottom next to Foles, pretending to make snow angels whereas Foles writhed in ache with a rib damage. Moments later, after Foles was carted off, Thibodeaux was seen celebrating once more, this time mimicking Foles “going to sleep.”

Here is a have a look at Thibodeaux’s second celebration:

Initially dominated questionable to return, Foles was dominated out for the rest of Sunday’s contest throughout halftime. The veteran QB (8-13, 81 yards, 1 INT earlier than exiting) was making his second begin for the Colts after changing Matt Ryan per week earlier. Second-year backup Sam Ehlinger, who made two begins rather than Ryan earlier this season, took over for Indy below middle.

Thibodeaux, drafted No. 5 total this yr, has been a key member of the Giants’ defensive entrance, logging his third sack in 5 video games thanks to the takedown of Foles. But his twin celebration of Sunday’s sack was a curious alternative, particularly contemplating how a lot consideration the NFL has given to participant security — and significantly the well being of QBs because it pertains to potential head accidents — as of late.

Thibodeaux’s arm clearly contacted Foles not less than six completely different occasions whereas he lied on the bottom pretending to make snow angels, suggesting the cross rusher was conscious the QB was nonetheless down, and he is also seen glancing over at Foles in between the celebratory act. He was not penalized for his actions in the course of the recreation, which secured a playoff berth for New York.

Thibodeaux downplayed the ordeal after the sport, denying to reporters that he celebrated whereas figuring out Foles was damage: “When I did realize that he was hurt, that’s when we started getting up,” he stated. “When you’re doing a celebration, you’re not looking to see who’s doing what. But I hope he gets well and I hope he’s all right.”