While NY Giants fans are frustrated with the delay in getting Daniel Jones on the field, there's no question that nothing but disappointing news has come in on Andrew Thomas. The All-Pro left tackle has been out since Week 1, but there was hope he'd be able to make his return to face the Jets.
That's more than likely not going to happen. The Giants released their injury report on Friday heading into the weekend and Thomas has been listed as doubtful. With Jones ruled out, this is rough injury news for two of the most important players on offense for head man Brian Daboll.
LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) is doubtful vs. #Jets.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 27, 2023
Questionable:
CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck)
RT Evan Neal (ankle)
C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee)
TE Darren Waller (hamstring)
Andrew Thomas hamstring injury is proving to be a major pain for the Giants
What really makes Thomas' absence even worse is that it came on the blocked field goal vs. Dallas to open the season. Thomas fought through the pain to close the game out, but he's been out of action ever since.
Former first-round pick Justin Pugh has taken over at left tackle of late with Thomas sidelined. However, Thomas is one of the best tackles in the game and he's needed back on the field as soon as possible. Unfortunately, though, Thomas isn't making the kind of progress in his rehab that fans had been hoping for. We'll see if he'll be able to rock next weekend against the Raiders.
John Michael Schmitz should be able to play this weekend
Elsewhere on the line, the good news is that John Michael Schmitz and potentially Evan Neal could be back to protect Tyrod Taylor on Sunday. Schmitz injured his shoulder against the Seahawks, while Neal has been dealing with an ankle injury that kept him off the field vs. the Commanders.
There's been plenty of shifting on the line due to these injuries, which included recently signed Tyre Phillips getting the start at RT against Washington. Phillips looked solid, but he'll make his way to the bench if Neal can put the pads on.
Not having Thomas on the field will sting, but getting JMS and Neal back will be massive for position coach Bobby Johnson. Neal is a bit iffy, but we'll know more on him later this weekend.