It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know an offensive line looks a whole lot better when its All-Pro left tackle is healthy. That’s why New York Giants fans waiting on Andrew Thomas’ Lisfranc recovery felt like they were stuck watching water boil.
Fortunately for Big Blue, Thomas is all the way back — full tilt. The 26-year-old suffered his season-ending injury in October 2024 and spent just under a year recovering. He made his 2025 debut in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, playing 28 clean snaps, and followed it up by going the distance in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
It’s been obvious from the jump that this offense feels different with Thomas back on the field. Protection has improved, yes — but it’s the ground game that’s seen the biggest swing. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo has been on a heater the past two weeks, and it’s no coincidence the surge started the second No. 78 returned to the lineup.
Cam Skattebo’s breakout has Andrew Thomas all over it
Just look at Skattebo’s breakout in Week 4 — 79 rushing yards, with almost all of that damage coming running behind the left side of the line.
Cam Skattebo found the majority of his yards yesterday rushing behind LT Andrew Thomas and LG Jon Runyan Jr. pic.twitter.com/FENPVeInIr
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) September 29, 2025
It's clear the left side of the line is becoming his favorite place to pummel through. The human fire hydrant has been leveraging Thomas and Jon Runyan Jr. into career-best performances week after week.
Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs was impressive, but it's his performance against the Bolts that suggests he's every bit the franchise's next RB1. And the Pro Bowl-caliber tackle is playing a massive role in his ascension.
The offensive line has come to life since Thomas returned. But it's not just an improved run game. The pass protection is going to be a necessity to keep rookie quarterback and potential franchise cornerstone Jaxson Dart upright. Unfortunately, keeping the 22-year-old signal-caller clean in Week 4 proved to be quite the challenge.
Dart's five sacks were more an indictment of his holding the ball too long than of poor offensive line play. It looked like four of the hits he took in the backfield stemmed from trying to make a play versus just throwing the ball away and living to play another down like a veteran would.
With Thomas back at left tackle, the Giants' offense is a different beast. And with two up-and-coming rookie playmakers, things could finally be turning a corner in East Rutherford.