New York Giants Offensive Lineman Andrew Thomas’ Week 2 Status In Doubt
The New York Giants are bracing for another week without their franchise left tackle, and frankly, it’s starting to feel like déjà vu all over again.
Thomas Is Still Fighting His Way Back
Andrew Thomas, the cornerstone of Big Blue’s offensive line, has been battling his way back from that brutal foot injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely. After missing the Giants’ Week 1 matchup against Washington, the veteran tackle managed to squeeze in some limited practice time this week – his first real action since going down last year.
But here’s the kicker: despite getting two consecutive days of limited reps, Thomas still carries a “doubtful” designation heading into Sunday’s divisional showdown with Dallas. In NFL speak, doubtful basically means “don’t hold your breath.”
Head Coach Brian Daboll tried to sound optimistic during his press conference, noting that Thomas and the training staff have been “hitting checkpoints” in his recovery process. “Taking two consecutive days with a number of reps, team reps. So, we’ll see where he’s at and see how he feels after practice,” Daboll said, though you could practically hear the hesitation in his voice.
The Ripple Effect Continues
With Thomas likely sidelined again, James Hudson gets another shot to prove he belongs in the starting lineup. Hudson filled in during Week 1, and while he didn’t embarrass himself, protecting Russell Wilson against a Cowboys pass rush is a completely different animal than facing Washington’s defensive front.
The Giants’ injury woes don’t stop with Thomas, either. They’re dealing with a laundry list of banged-up players that reads like a MASH unit roster.
Giants Playing Medical Roulette
Defensive Lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches went from not appearing on Wednesday’s injury report to landing a doubtful tag by Friday with a foot issue. That’s never a good sign – injuries that pop up mid-week usually mean something went sideways during practice.
The Giants also ruled out Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles with a calf injury, leaving their already thin linebacker corps even more depleted. With Micah McFadden already on injured reserve, expect the team to elevate Swayze Bozeman from the practice squad because, honestly, they don’t have much choice.
Wide Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson carries a questionable tag with an ankle injury, though he did manage limited practice work. If Robinson can’t go, Malik Nabers, who bounced back from his own back issue, will likely see more slot work alongside Beaux Collins, getting increased snaps.
The Silver Lining
Not everything is doom and gloom for the Giants. Darius Slayton shook off his groin issue and avoided an injury designation, meaning he’ll be available for Sunday’s tilt with the Cowboys. Thomas getting back on the practice field, even in a limited capacity, represents genuine progress. The fact that he handled “a good amount of reps” over two consecutive days suggests he’s trending in the right direction – just not fast enough for this week’s game.
Looking Ahead
The Giants desperately need Thomas back sooner rather than later. Their offensive line was already a question mark entering the season, and playing musical chairs at left tackle against NFC East pass rushers is a recipe for disaster.
Sunday’s game against Dallas will serve as another litmus test for Hudson and the makeshift offensive line. If they can keep Wilson upright and create some running lanes, maybe – just maybe – they can steal a win while waiting for their All-Pro tackle to return. For now, Giants fans will have to cross their fingers that Thomas can turn the corner soon.
