Chris Snee to sit out Giants minicamp; what’s next?
By Adam Ganeles
Jul 27, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76) with offensive line coach Pat Flaherty during training camp at the Timex Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
When the Giants began their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, 32-year old guard Chris Snee was not a participant. Still recovering from offseason elbow surgery (in addition to a hip procedure), Snee will rest up until the commencement of training camp on July 21st following active participation in OTA’s.
G Chris Snee's surgically repaired elbow is still bothering him, Coughlin said. Doesn't sound like a huge concern.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) June 17, 2014
A career-long Giant entering his 11th professional season, Snee expressed no desire to push himself early in the process, particularly with a bothersome elbow:
"“At this point in my career, when they say, ‘Take a breather,’ I’ll take a breather.”"
2012 4th round pick Brandon Mosley inherited first-team reps at right guard on opening day of minicamp. A tackle by trade coming out of the collegiate ranks, Mosley took 59 snaps between the guard spots in 2013. His season was cut short in December after being placed on injured reserve with a broken hand (his second trip to the IR). The Giants believe Mosley holds starter potential.
Options behind Mosley include the physically gifted, albeit troubled, John Jerry, who made 17 starts at RG for the Dolphins last season. Rookie Weston Richburg was drafted primarily to be the team’s center of the future, but he possesses the versatility and mobility to play guard in a pinch.
Snee allowed three sacks and 10 QB hurries in 188 snaps during his limited on-field action in 2013 prior to being shut down. Not surprisingly, he graded out at -7.0 in the pass blocking department by Pro Football Focus. Back in 2012, however, Snee performed like an upper echelon guard — 12.8 overall rating (13th among all G), 10.0 run block rating (8th) and allowed just two sacks all year long.
The Giants are holding firm that Snee will be ready for opening night, but to feel secure in that stance would be nothing short of hubris. And even if he does navigate through camp with a clean bill of health, which Snee will ultimately take the field? He’s currently at a playing weight of a “lean 300 lbs” and wants to pack on 10 more lbs. in the next six weeks.