How Shane Lemieux injury impacts NY Giants’ offensive line
NY Giants guard Shane Lemieux was carted off the field during Thursday’s training camp practice, which could shuffle the offensive line
NY Giants offensive guard Shane Lemieux was carted off during Thursday’s training camp practice, according to multiple reports, which could shuffle what is already one of the NFL’s most inexperienced offensive lines.
Lemieux had primarily been playing left guard throughout the spring and early in training camp, alongside fellow second-year lineman Andrew Thomas, but if he is forced to miss any significant time, Giants coach Joe Judge’s philosophy of rotating players along the line could come in handy.
What happens if Shane Lemieux misses time for the NY Giants?
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, Kenny Wiggins saw additional snaps, following Lemieux’s injury.
Vet Kenny Wiggins is seeing some meaningful snaps at left guard today
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) July 29, 2021
If Lemieux is forced to miss time, there is a very real chance that Will Hernandez returns to left guard, after opening the spring on the right side.
Hernandez, Wednesday opened up about making the transition from left guard to right this spring, saying that he doesn’t expect it to be a significant change.
"“I mean it’s basically just a flip flop thing,” Hernandez said, following Wednesday’s practice. “You do everything that you do on the left side, do it on the right. Everything’s universal, it’s not as hard as people sometimes make it seem. Transition’s a transition, it’s different, but for me I feel it smoothly and I’m going to give it my all.”"
That change might ultimately wind up being short-lived. Given Hernandez’ experience starting at left guard during his first two NFL seasons, it would seem the easiest fix if Lemieux is out would be to have the former second-round pick return to his natural position.
In addition to Wiggins and Hernandez, a Lemieux injury could mean an expanded role for veteran addition Zach Fulton.
The NY Giants signed Fulton this offseason, from the Houston Texans, after the 29-year-old allowed 11 sacks and 39 total pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.