The New York Giants concluded its 2023 NFL preseason slate with a loss to the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers made his debut with the other team in the Big Apple, which has dominated the headlines from the matchup.

While that loss doesn't matter in regards to the regular season, the Giants were hit with some unfortunate news coming out of the game. It has been reported that rookie wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton suffered a season-ending injury.

Ford-Wheaton, a rookie out of West Virginia, had been turning heads and making a name for himself with the regular season just weeks away. But he tore his ACL in the preseason finale, ending his first season in the NFL before it ever started.

"Never asked God for an easy life, instead I asked him to give me the strength to overcome any obstacle," Ford-Wheaton wrote in a social media post. "Appreciate everyone’s support, it’s going to be one hell of a story. See you next year Big Blue." 

The rookie wide receiver enjoyed a bit of a breakout season for West Virginia last year before declaring for the NFL. He showcased the ability to be a big-play target with upside outside on the professional level.

Bryce Ford-Wheaton had this punt on LOCK — check out how fast he gets to the returner — he's been impressing there, that's where he can grab a roster spot #NYG pic.twitter.com/1fYrS3r7bv

— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) August 26, 2023

But it was special teams where he was really making a case to make the roster. He was performing well as a gunner in punt coverage, and it appeared that the rookie was feeling comfortable in that role.

Unfortunately, the injury will put Ford-Wheaton's first regular season on hold. The New York Giants will be forced to re-group and re-evaluate with roster cuts incoming.

Giants rookie beats one of the best players in the NFL in wasted rep

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt beat All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner on a preseason rep.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports