New York Giants Place Andrew Thomas On PUP List Following Injury

The Giants are taking it slow with star Left Tackle Andrew Thomas, who was put on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before the team’s 2025 training camp opened. Thomas continues to recover from a Lisfranc injury in his foot that required surgery last October, and missing the start of camp is a letdown, but General Manager Joe Schoen is optimistic. Schoen told the press the team “expects” Thomas to play Week 1 of the regular season, but made him day-to-day as far as his return.

The 26-year-old left tackle is one of the organization’s most precious commodities and, aside from job security for its coaching staff, also the key to the health of the offense. Two consecutive seasons of injuries had everybody in Brooklyn anticipating what the next update on him was going to be. Thomas’ latest injury is one that the organization is tracking closely with guarded optimism as it enters a do-or-die 2025 season.

Andrew Thomas’ Injury Status: Cautious But Hopeful

Putting Thomas on the PUP list was no surprise whatsoever, but it does suggest that healing from the Lisfranc surgery has not healed. The Giants are going slow with the All-Pro, who has started only 16 of the previous 34 games for the team due to hamstring and foot ailments. Head Coach Brian Daboll and Schoen are being quite tight-lipped, insisting Thomas is diligently rehabbing and does not want to hurry him back.

Lisfranc injuries are also notoriously unreliable and need to completely heal so as to avoid long-term problems or re-injury. Thomas underwent surgery in mid-October and was originally set to return for OTAs. Though that timeline has been altered, don’t worry, the team assures. Getting placed on the PUP list doesn’t eliminate him from returning to practice later in camp or being ready for the regular season.

What It Means For the Giants and Training Camp Battles

Thomas not showing up makes a gaping void at the offensive line to begin training camp. Offense Line Coach Carmen Bricillo acknowledged as much, stating Thomas’ non-report is “certainly felt” because of his elite-level skill and experience. In the meantime, Joshua Ezeudu will receive first-team reps at left tackle, with veterans like Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten providing depth and versatility to the line.

The Giants have gone out of their way to make what was two years ago one of the worst O-lines in the NFL better. Runyan Jr., Schmitz Jr., and Eluemunor figure to be starters alongside Thomas, assuming he returns on schedule. Russell Wilson, in his first season in New York, needs a good front five if he is to be at his best. With Thomas out for the short term, building continuity down the line is that much more difficult, especially with Wilson trying to build chemistry with a new group of receivers and playmakers.

Connor Williams, Other Injury Developments to Monitor

While Thomas will be sidelined for the early part of training camp, the team did receive good news on first-round pick Malik Nabers. The LSU standout wideout has struggled with a long-standing toe ailment since playing college ball, but Daboll confirmed that Nabers is in perfect health and attending camp. His return will be a major boost for the Giants’ offense, as the rookie will be one of the team’s top targets in a revamped passing attack.

Outside of Thomas and Nabers, the Giants have their eyes on a couple of minor issues, but otherwise have remained healthy to date. The front office has prioritized “long-term health” this offseason with slow builds over putting players into heavy workloads right away. That is especially prudent given that injury issues plagued the team last season, and there is more pressure on the coaching staff and front office to produce in 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Giants putting Thomas on the PUP list is not yet cause for alarm, but it does illustrate how much a healthy training camp means to a team attempting to come back from adversity. Readiness for Week 1 still takes priority, and the team appears committed to taking him back at a gradual pace. With some good news regarding Nabers and more on the offensive line, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic as the Giants get to work in 2025. But health—and how they approach it—could determine their season before they ever kick it off.