The Giants’ injury picture has been bleak since Monday night, but they finally got a sliver of good news on one of the guys they can least afford to lose.
Andrew Thomas’ groin/adductor injury, suffered in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Rams, is not considered serious, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Thomas has a chance to return Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
That matters now more than ever for New York. With Jaxson Dart officially done for the season after further evaluations revealed damage to his MCL, PCL and meniscus, the Giants are staring at a very different offense heading into Week 3. Dart will undergo surgery after what had been an extremely promising start to his second NFL season.
The quarterback situation has already shifted to Jameis Winston, who struggled after replacing Dart on Monday night. Winston went 11 of 27 for 111 yards and an interception while taking two sacks, so getting Thomas back would at least help keep one edge of the line steady.
Thomas had played nearly the entire game before leaving and was initially listed as questionable to return. For a team already dealing with uncertainty, his availability would be a major boost.
The Giants still have other injury concerns hanging over them. Malik Nabers suffered a shoulder injury Monday but was able to return, and Brian Burns is dealing with a low ankle sprain while waiting on a clearer timetable.
But after the hit the roster took in the last 24 to 48 hours, Thomas’ update stands out. If he’s able to suit up against Tennessee, New York can at least avoid another big crack in an offense that suddenly needs every bit of stability it can get.
In Other News...
Rams Suddenly Have A Puka Nacua Problem Heading Into Week 3
Puka Nacuas status has become a real storyline for the Rams heading into Week 3, even if Sean McVay is trying to keep the concern in perspective. The head coach said Nacua is dealing with a minor injury and may not be available this week, but he also framed it as something that should not linger, which at least gives Los Angeles some reason to stay calm for now.
Still, any uncertainty around Nacua lands differently for a Rams offense that has leaned on his presence as a central part of its identity. McVay did not paint this as a long-term issue, but the fact that availability is in question at all is enough to put a spotlight on the next few days of practice and the way the team manages its passing game if Nacua is limited or held out. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Suddenly Have A Broncos Decision Fans Will Want To Watch
Ronnie Rivers calf injury has created an immediate special teams opening for the Rams heading into their game against the Broncos, and Sean McVay said the club will turn to either Dean Connors or Jordan Waters to handle the spot. Rivers is expected to land on injured reserve with a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, so this is more than a one-game shuffle, even if the first decision arrives before the Denver matchup.
The choice comes down to special teams value, and both Connors and Waters are chasing their first NFL appearances. For a Rams roster trying to keep the bottom of the depth chart steady while one of its core special teams pieces recovers, the next call at that spot could offer an early look at how the team wants to manage the position over the coming weeks. [Read more 🡒]
Rams May Lose The Offensive Fix Sean McVay Just Found
The Rams found a useful wrinkle in their Week 2 win over the Giants, leaning more heavily on 13 personnel after Puka Nacua was out of the lineup. It gave Sean McVay another way to steady the offense and keep the structure of the passing game intact, with the tight end room helping bridge the gap as the receivers shuffled around the game plan.
Now the follow-up is whether that solution holds up for Week 3 against the Broncos. Colby Parkinson has missed practice this week because of a knee injury, leaving his status uncertain, while Terrance Ferguson was a full participant Thursday and is expected to play. If Parkinson cannot go, the Rams could be forced to keep adjusting on the fly just as they try to preserve the rhythm they found last Sunday. [Read more 🡒]