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On Monday, head coach Brian Daboll provided no updates regarding the condition of star left tackle Andrew Thomas, who struggled through the latter part of Sunday night’s 17-7 defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals and was scheduled to have an MRI on his foot that day.
Following the game, Thomas remarked that his foot was “not in good shape.”
In terms of performance, Thomas had a below-average outing, allowing two sacks and three pressures, resulting in a pass-blocking efficiency score of 94.8, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Thomas did not clarify whether his foot issue arose during the game against Cincinnati or was an ongoing concern, it’s clear he is not enjoying a strong season.
Over the course of six games, Thomas has given up four sacks, equaling his entire total from his second-team All-Pro season in 2022, alongside 16 pressures. His pass-blocking efficiency of 95.9 is the lowest he has recorded since his rookie year in 2020.
Last season, Thomas faced hamstring and knee injuries which limited him to just six games.
Even at less than optimal performance, Thomas remains the best lineman on the Giants’ offensive line. If the news regarding his foot is unfavorable and he needs to be replaced, it raises concerns about the impact on the team, especially given that the offensive line has played every snap together this season.
What might the team’s lineup look like without Thomas? There are primarily two alternatives.
Josh Ezeudu Takes Over Left Tackle
The mention of this possibility may elicit groans from Giants fans.
This scenario occurred last season after Thomas was sidelined in Week 1 due to a hamstring injury, which kept him out for seven games. Ezeudu filled in at left tackle for six contests, earning five starts.
The performance was far from satisfactory.
Ezeudu registered a dismal overall grade of 42.4 from PFF, ranking 130th among 137 offensive tackles, with a pass-blocking grade of 39.3 positioning him at 121st. His pass-blocking efficiency was rated at 95.0, placing him 88th.
It’s worth noting that Ezeudu was thrust into this position after solely practicing as a guard throughout the spring and summer, contending for a starting role with Ben Bredeson and Mark Glowinski.
If called upon to replace Thomas, Ezeudu should theoretically be better equipped this time, having practiced at both left and right tackle since OTA sessions.
In our conversation during training camp, Ezeudu pointed out that transitioning from guard to tackle involves a different mindset.
“You must adjust your thought process,” Ezeudu explained. “Hand usage is also distinct.”
Whether Ezeudu, who primarily played guard during his college career at North Carolina, can successfully adapt to tackle remains uncertain. However, he is likely to perform better if required to step in this season.
So far, Ezeudu has only seen three offensive snaps this year.
Switching Neal to Right Tackle, Eluemunor at Left Tackle
If the Giants opt to field Evan Neal, the seventh overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, instead of Ezeudu, this alignment would become necessary.
Strangely, despite head coach Daboll’s statements about wanting linemen to be versatile, Neal has exclusively practiced at right tackle since returning this summer following ankle surgery.
Earlier this month, Neal shared with me that he feels prepared both physically and mentally.
“I focus on maintaining a positive mindset, working diligently every day, and absorbing knowledge from the veterans around me,” Neal stated. “Facing the first-team defense is invaluable for my growth.”
Regarding his ankle, Neal noted, “I’m moving around fluently.”
Eluemunor brings experience to the left tackle position, having logged 422 career snaps there, including 125 last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
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