Bellinger stepped into a starting role after rookie Theo Johnson landed on injured reserve with a season-ending foot injury. Assuming Johnson is healthy next season, Bellinger will return to his normal role as a lightly-used backup, giving him little-to-no fantasy upside in 2025.

Daboll told reporters that “something happened a few weeks ago” to Bellinger and his participation in spring and summer practices has since been limited. It’s unclear if Bellinger sustained a serious injury, but it will be something to monitor in the coming weeks. Bellinger, who had 30 catches for 268 yards and two touchdowns over 11 games in 2022, profiles as the Giants’ clear No. 1 tight end after the retirement of Darren Waller. Rookie TE Theo Johnson would be next up if Bellinger misses time during the preseason or regular season.

After a promising rookie season, Bellinger didn’t take much of a leap even with Darren Waller missing five games. A lot can be attributed to quarterback play, but Bellinger was never at the top of the Giants’ target pecking order. He put together his best string of two games in Week 16 and 17 going 8-82-0. For now Bellinger is much more of a long shot fantasy option than he is a boom or bust Player. Bellinger ends his second season having caught 25 passes for 255 yards.

Bellinger got the same number of targets as Darren Waller, splitting tight end looks between two different Giants quarterbacks on the day. He got looks on crossing routes over the middle of the field and down the seams, though his utility dipped once Tyrod Taylor entered the game. Bellinger is best left on fantasy benches the rest of the season.