The New York Giants are staring down another potential shuffle along the offensive line, and it couldn't come at a more precarious time. With injuries mounting and two starters not practicing on Wednesday, the team may be forced to field a patchwork unit when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka confirmed that several key players were sidelined during midweek practice, including left tackle Andrew Thomas, center John Michael Schmitz, and offensive lineman Evan Neal. That’s three-fifths of a starting offensive line either banged up or unavailable - not exactly the situation you want heading into a game, especially against a Raiders front that can get after the quarterback.
Let’s start with the biggest name on that list: Andrew Thomas. The Giants’ franchise left tackle and arguably their most consistent offensive player this season, Thomas exited early in Sunday’s 16-13 loss to the Vikings after suffering a hamstring injury.
He logged just 20 snaps before heading to the sideline, and considering his recent return from a Lisfranc injury, the team may opt to play it safe with their cornerstone lineman. Thomas has been rock-solid when healthy, anchoring the blind side and helping stabilize what’s been a turbulent offensive front.
If he can’t go, expect Marcus Mbow to step into the left tackle role - a tall order for any backup, let alone against a Raiders defense that knows how to bring pressure.
At center, John Michael Schmitz is also dealing with an injury - this time to his hand, sustained in the same loss to Minnesota. It’s an unfortunate setback for Schmitz, who’s been playing the best football of his young three-year career.
He’s shown real growth this season, both in pass protection and as a communicator at the line of scrimmage. If he’s unavailable, veteran Austin Schlottmann will be the next man up.
Schlottmann has stepped in capably when called upon this year, but there’s no question the Giants would prefer to have Schmitz snapping the ball.
Then there’s Evan Neal, who remains on injured reserve. He got in one practice last week before being shut down again with what the team described as a neck injury. Neal’s absence has been felt, both in the run game and in pass protection, as the Giants continue to search for consistency on the right side of the line.
Also missing from practice were safety Tyler Nubin and defensive lineman D.J. Davidson, adding to the Giants’ growing list of injury concerns. But the spotlight this week is firmly on the offensive line - and whether this group, patched together or not, can hold up long enough to give the offense a fighting chance in Vegas.
With the Giants’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread, every snap matters. And for a team that’s struggled to find rhythm and continuity up front, the next-man-up mentality is about to be put to the test - again.