Latest Evan Neal update is a concern for the NY Giants OL moving forward

This just feels like the last thing NY Giants right tackle Evan Neal needs from both a physical and mental standpoint. During a recent OTAs session, eyebrows were raised when the former No. 7 overall pick was off the field and not participating in drills.

Neal, who underwent ankle surgery this winter, now won't be in action until training camp. During the first day of mandatory minicamp, head man Brian Daboll revealed that the third-year tackle won't be participating over the next few days.

NY Giants RT Evan Neal is missing the mandatory minicamp

Daboll said multiple times that the Giants are 'backing off' his schedule and that the plan is for him to be ready to go for camp in late July. While Daboll wouldn't confirm whether or not Neal suffered a setback with his ankle, it's not good news that he's being sidelined.

Yes, there's still plenty of time until camp gets here and Neal will have the chance to make noise then and of course during the preseason, but this latest news has people worried that perhaps his ankle is still giving him issues. This is not ideal for him, as he's going into what's going to be a make-or-break year.

In his first two seasons with the G-Men, the 2022 first-round pick has not lived up to the hype. During his rookie campaign, Neal was a nightmare to watch at times and the exact same could be said for his play in Year 2 before he went down with his injury. With him entering his third campaign, he simply has to take a step forward.

If he doesn't or if his struggles continue, then fans will be calling for left guard Jermaine Eluemunor to make the switch to right tackle and for Neal to be sent to the bench. You've got to feel for this kid, as he continues to face adversity. All we can do now is keep our fingers crossed that Neal will be close to 100 percent by the time training camp arrives. He can't afford to miss any additional time.