Andrew Thomas’ Injury Puts Giants in Familiar, Frustrating Territory
Another week, another injury blow for the New York Giants’ offensive line - and once again, it’s Andrew Thomas at the center of it. The standout left tackle exited early in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings with a hamstring issue and never made it back onto the field. By halftime, the team had officially ruled him out.
After the game, Thomas met with reporters and gave a brief update: his leg felt sore, but the full scope of the injury won’t be clear until imaging is done. He also made one thing clear - if he’s medically cleared, he wants to play in the final two games of the season.
That’s the kind of leadership you want in your locker room. But given where the Giants are in the standings, it’s fair to ask: is it worth it?
A Familiar Injury in a Different Leg
This isn’t Thomas’ first dance with hamstring trouble. He missed seven games in 2023 with a similar issue, though this time it’s the opposite leg.
That’s a small silver lining, but it still puts the Giants in a tough spot. They’ll wait for MRI results before making any decisions, but it’s a situation that has to be handled with care.
And this isn’t just any player we’re talking about. Since returning from a Lisfranc injury that wiped out most of his 2024 season, Thomas has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling team.
According to Pro Football Focus, he’s graded out as the fourth-best offensive tackle in the league - an 89.7 overall mark that speaks to just how dominant he’s been. He was playing at a Pro Bowl, maybe even All-Pro, level.
The Dilemma: Finish Strong or Play It Safe?
There’s no questioning Thomas’ desire to finish the season on his terms. That’s what you want from a franchise cornerstone.
But the Giants are 2-13. There’s no playoff push, no real momentum to build, and certainly no reason to jeopardize the long-term health of one of the league’s premier tackles.
Especially not for two games that won’t change the trajectory of the season.
The bigger picture? Thomas is still just 27.
He’s a foundational piece for this team, someone the Giants need healthy and dominant when the rebuild starts to take shape in earnest. And if there’s even a slight risk of aggravating this injury, the smart play might be to shut him down.
Protecting the Future - For Thomas and Dart
It’s not just Thomas’ health that’s at stake here. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has had his own share of bumps and bruises in his first NFL season.
The 22-year-old needs all the protection he can get, and Thomas is his best shot at staying upright. But if Thomas isn’t close to 100%, putting him back out there could do more harm than good - for both of them.
This is the kind of late-season decision that tests a coaching staff. Do you let your star player gut it out, knowing he wants to finish strong? Or do you make the tough call, sit him down, and prioritize the long-term vision?
The Bottom Line
If this is the end of Andrew Thomas’ 2025 season, it’s a tough break - but it also might be the right move. He’s already proven what he can do when healthy, and the Giants need him at full strength when the games start to matter again. With nothing left to play for this year, the smart play is thinking ahead.
For now, all eyes are on the MRI. But no matter what it reveals, the Giants have to balance Thomas’ competitive fire with the reality of their situation.
Because protecting your best player - especially when he’s the anchor of your offensive line - isn’t just about this week. It’s about building toward the future.