New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media for the final time on September 19 ahead of the Week 3 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he didn’t exactly guarantee that left tackle Andrew Thomas would make his 2025 debut.
“Much more guarded optimism from Daboll on Andrew Thomas,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan relayed on Friday. The NYG beat reporter added that “[Daboll] said they could take the decision up until game time,” and that he “wouldn’t rule out a rotation with Marcus Mbow at left tackle.”
And Thomas isn’t the only injury question mark for Big Blue.
“Also, sounds like there’s going to be a lot of legitimate ‘questionables’ when the injury report comes out later,” Duggan noted. Not long after, he posted his observations from Friday’s practice, strongly hinting at which players the Giants could be without.
“Not spotted at practice: WR/KR Gunner Olszewski (back), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (foot) and LB Darius Muasau (concussion/eye),” Duggan reported. “Muasau will definitely be ruled out. Noted that Olszewski wasn’t moving well yesterday. ‘Backing off’ Nunez-Roches today also not a good sign for him.”
On top of those three, the reporter also stated that “LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) and OLB Chauncey Golston (ankle) were on the side.” He expects both to be “long shots” to play on Sunday night.
Later, Giants team reporter Dan Salomone shared the official gameday status of each injury.
Out: ▪️LB Darius Muasau (Concussion/Eye)
Doubtful: ▪️LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Calf) ▪️DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (Foot)
Questionable: ▪️DL Chauncey Golston (Ankle) ▪️WR Gunner Olszewski (Back) ▪️OT Andrew Thomas (Foot)
As Duggan predicted, Muasau has been ruled out, while Flannigan-Fowles and Nunez-Roches are both “doubtful.” Finally, Golston, Olszewski and Thomas were listed as “questionable.”
Giants’ Injury List Is Long Ahead of Chiefs Matchup: Possible Solutions
Outside of Thomas, whose availability feels slightly more optimistic, let’s say the five veteran injuries Duggan listed don’t end up suiting up against the Chiefs. Meaning Olszewski, Nunez-Roches, Muasau, Flannigan-Fowles and Golston.
That would set the Giants up to be extremely shorthanded in Week 3, even if they utilize their two practice squad elevations.
Aside from Olszewski, who would likely be spelled on returns by recent waiver claim Xavier Gipson, each of these injuries is to a defensive player — although Flannigan-Fowles is more of a core special teamer.
The Giants are most shorthanded at inside linebacker with Muasau and Flannigan-Fowles potentially sidelined. Keep in mind, Micah McFadden and Chris Board are already on the injured reserve, leaving a collection of newcomers that were just brought in off the street.
Youngster Swayze Bozeman is already signed to the active roster, which means he should be in the mix behind Bobby Okereke. The other practice squad elevation options include experienced veteran Neville Hewitt, recent New York Jets draft pick Zaire Barnes, and undrafted journeyman Curtis Jacobs.
“There are going to be some interesting roster decisions over the next 24 hours,” Duggan told a fan after Friday’s news. “Not sure if any of the injuries rise to the level of IR. But seems like they’re going to need to call up three players from the P-squad and can only elevate two…”
Giants LT Andrew Thomas Confirms Gametime Decision Tag in Week 3
GettyWill the New York Giants get starting left tackle Andrew Thomas back in Week 3?
Most times, a player will give you more of a hint about their availability than a head coach, but Thomas pretty much confirmed what Daboll told reporters on September 19.
Per Duggan again, “Andrew Thomas said he’ll see how he feels tomorrow and Sunday morning before making a final decision on his status for Sunday night.
The reporter interpreted this as more evidence that the Giants could rotate Thomas and Mbow against the Chiefs.
“Thomas had been opposed to a rotation in the past, but his stance softened today,” Duggan noted. Adding: “[In my opinion], he’s either ready to play or he’s not.”
Giants Could Be Without Several Veteran Pieces After Latest Week 3 Update