New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has a long injury history, and fans are used to watching him sit on the bench in the final minutes of a crushing home defeat.
The difference during Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints? Although Thomas was evaluated for a concussion, he never re-entered the game despite passing the league-mandated evaluation.
“That was the coach’s decision,” Thomas told reporters. “I listen to what the coach says.”
As of Monday afternoon, Giants coach John Harbaugh hadn’t explained why Thomas remained sidelined, especially with right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor unexpectedly out; Marcus Mbow started instead of Eluemunor, who reportedly suffered a calf injury last Friday.
J.C. Davis, a sixth-round rookie from Illinois, replaced Thomas and finished the game at left tackle. Rookie right guard Francis Mauigoa reportedly had a postgame X-ray for undisclosed reasons.
Why did the New York Giants keep Andrew Thomas on the sideline during Sunday’s loss?
Look, we understand teams wanting to play it safe when head injuries are involved. The Giants know that firsthand, having watched Jaxson Dart undergo at least six concussion evaluations since last season began.
But the NFL’s rules are simple: If you pass a concussion evaluation, you’re eligible to return to the game. If Thomas felt he could return, then Harbaugh owes his veteran left tackle and the fanbase a clear-cut explanation. At least he could justify benching Cam Skattebo because of the second-year running back’s fumbling problems.
So what was the issue? Harbaugh didn’t pull the entire starting offensive line when the Giants fell behind 34-10, and you would think he’d want everyone on the field during the furious fourth-quarter rally. Thomas had been battling a nagging groin injury, but he hinted the concussion evaluation led to his absence.
Thomas claimed the league’s independent spotter forced an evaluation only because he “got up a little slow” on the previous drive. That alone raises separate questions about the overall process, though Harbaugh and Thomas should tread carefully; criticizing the NFL’s concussion evaluation system is an easy way to earn a significant fine.
Assuming that Thomas is good to go for next Sunday’s road battle with the Texans, he still has a chance to play all 17 games for the first time. He last played an entire season in 2020, the final year of the 16-game schedule.
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