New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his right foot to address a Lisfranc injury, as confirmed by coach Brian Daboll on Wednesday.
Thomas sustained the injury late in the Giants’ 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. A Lisfranc injury occurs when a small bone in the middle of the foot is broken or sprained, or when the ligaments supporting that area are torn.
You can’t replace an Andrew Thomas,” Daboll stated. “I feel terrible for him. I was able to text him today. He had surgery this morning, and it was successful. He’s a leader, a captain, great in the locker room, and a very good player.
As the Giants (2-4) began practicing on Wednesday for their upcoming home game against the Philadelphia Eagles (3-2), Jermaine Eluemunor was positioned at right tackle, while Joshua Ezeudu took over the left side in Thomas’s absence.
Daboll also indicated that Evan Neal, the starting right tackle since being drafted seventh overall in 2022, could be an option if the Giants decide to shift Eluemunor to the left. In that case, either Neal or Ezeudu would start at right tackle.
Eluemunor, who has changed positions throughout his career, is willing to adapt again. “I think people don’t realize how challenging it is, both mentally and physically, said the former Raider, who joined the Giants as a free agent this offseason. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s tough to switch gears with just a few days’ notice.
Neal has faced his own challenges on the field, having missed part of last season and the beginning of training camp due to ankle surgery. This marks the first time he has not been a starter, and he is using this experience as a learning opportunity. “I understand the situation isn’t ideal for me, but it’s my role right now, and I will embrace it,” he said. “I’ll practice hard and continue to support my teammates.”
Ezeudu, a third-round draft pick in 2022, filled in at left tackle last season when Thomas was injured in the opener. He expressed confidence in his ability to step up on Sunday. In college, I played three positions in a single game,” he said. “I feel prepared for this, even if I haven’t done it in the NFL yet.”
Daboll plans to finalize his offensive line decisions on Friday ahead of Sunday’s game.
Additionally, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers returned to practice wearing a non-contact red jersey after missing the last two games due to a concussion. The red jersey indicates he is progressing through the concussion protocol; he still needs clearance from an independent neurologist. Nabers has not been available for interviews since he remains in the protocol.
Malik has made good progress, Daboll noted. “He was able to practice today while wearing the red jersey and passed some necessary steps. He’s feeling better, which is encouraging. We’ll evaluate further, but I’m optimistic without rushing anything.
Nabers led the league with 35 receptions after the first four weeks before sustaining an injury in a game against Dallas on September 26.
