Was the hit that injured Kayvon Thibodeaux a dirty play?

New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux injured his right knee after a controversial cut-block by Cincinnati Bengals tight end Thaddeus Moss.

The New York Giants suffered quite the scare during their Week 2 preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first half, rookie edge rusher and fifth-overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux fell down to the turf clutching his right knee. He waved off the cart, walked over to the blue medical tent, and departed to the locker room while joking with teammates. The Giants quickly ruled Thibodeaux out for the remainder of the game with a knee injury.

As for how the injury occurred, Thibodeaux was hit low in his right leg on a cut block by Bengals tight end Thaddeus Moss. You can take a look at the play at this link.

Was the hit actually dirty?

Was hit on Kayvon Thibodeaux by Thaddeus Moss a dirty play?

The play is certainly up to interpretation, as you can tell by the differing opinions on social media.

FanSided national NFL reporter Matt Verderame noted that while the hit looked dirty on initial viewing, he points out that Thibodeaux does pull up on the play.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons took to Twitter to question why cutting was even allowed in the NFL.

There was some positive news regarding Thibodeaux. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that there is “initial optimism” that the rookie avoided a serious knee injury. Of course, the Giants will be awaiting official word when he undergoes additional testing.

After this game, there will be questions as to whether Moss, the son of Hall of Famer Randy Moss, will face any discipline for the hit.