The New York Giants announced some news on arguably their most important offensive player, and it isn’t good.
The Giants listed left tackle Andrew Thomas as doubtful for their game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, despite the fact he was a limited participant in practice Friday.
Thomas, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, is trying to recover from a season-ending Lisfranc fracture he sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals, that cost him New York’s final 11 games a season ago.
He returned to practice this week, after missing the entire preseason, and typically players who practice — even in a limited capacity — are good to go for Sunday. But Thomas, who addressed reporters after practice Friday, is remaining cautious to avoid any further injury.
What Did The Giants Say About Andrew Thomas’ Injury?
Thomas was the only player listed on New York’s injury report Friday, and he earned the injury distinction after practicing Friday. He addressed reporters after practice.
“My biggest concern is the risk of re-injury,” Thomas said Friday. “That’s something I’ve been talking to the [athletic] trainers and doctors about just so when I’m out there I’m ready to go.”
Giants coach Brian Daboll spoke before practice Friday and laid out the process of assessing Thomas’ availability for Sunday.
“Sit down after practice, talk to the [athletic] trainers [and] medical people and see where he’s at,” Daboll said.
Daboll ducked a question about whether he and the Giants could play Thomas on a “pitch count” or a limited basis.
“Everybody that is out there is going to be ready to play,” Daboll said. “Whatever their role is, they’ll be ready to play.”
Daboll credited the Giants players for coming to camp in shape and ready, which is why they only had Thomas on the report listed Friday.
“There’s pretty much 100 percent chance of injuries at some point and time,” Daboll said. “Give a lot of credit to the players and how they’ve handled things relative to their prehab and rehab to the training staff and the doctors. … Hopefully we stay that way.”
Plus, Thomas said he could make it onto the field at Northwest Stadium on Sunday. But he is more concerned with doing things smartly.
“That’s why we’re increasing the volume but slowly to make sure I respond well,” Thomas said. “Just working on pain management — what you can push through and what you can’t.”
Who Will Start At Left Tackle For The Giants?
If it is not Thomas, and the doubtful distinction deems that likely, and the Giants‘ unofficial depth chart is correct, then James Hudson III will start in Thomas’ place Sunday.
Hudson, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract this off-season after playing his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, was the 113rd-ranked tackle out of 140 qualifiers a season ago by Pro Football Focus. He earned a 50.4 grade.
Per PFF data, Hudson was a superior run blocker, since he had a 57.7 grade on run plays and just a 40.2 grade on pass blocking — the latter of which was 125th out of 140 tackles.
Giants Get Concerning Update on Andrew Thomas Heading Into Week 1