Giants Urged to Make Position Switch Following Devastating Injury Update

Giants Urged to Make Position Switch Following Devastating Injury Update

The New York Giants should prioritize a position switch following a troubling injury update regarding star left tackle Andrew Thomas. On October 15, it was revealed that Thomas is likely to be sidelined for an extended period due to a foot injury, as reported by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Concerns have emerged that the injury could potentially be season-ending.

Thomas is weighing options for treatment, including a consultation with renowned foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that if surgery is necessary, it would almost certainly end his season.

This disheartening news comes after Thomas sustained the injury during the Giants’ 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. His absence last season contributed to the team allowing a league-high 85 sacks.

Although the offensive line has shown improvement this year under new line coach Carmen Bricillo and the additions of Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor, one reporter suggests that a critical position change is necessary in light of Thomas’s injury.

Position Swap Can Help Giants Cope Without Andrew Thomas

Shifting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to the left side is essential, with Dan Duggan of The Athletic suggesting that either Joshua Ezeudu or Evan Neal should take over on the right. Duggan predicts Ezeudu will likely get the first chance at either right tackle or left tackle if Eluemunor remains on the right.

However, not everyone agrees with Duggan’s assessment. Paul Schwartz from the New York Post highlighted the potential risks of reinstating Neal as the starting right tackle, noting that he hasn’t played on offense this season. This shift could disrupt two positions instead of just one.

There are also concerns about trusting Ezeudu at either tackle position. Schwartz pointed out that although Ezeudu was a third-round pick in 2022, he only started five games last season and didn’t demonstrate that he could be a reliable tackle, having originally been drafted as a guard.

Replacing Thomas is a significant risk, given that he’s the best offensive lineman on the roster, but his health has become a growing concern. According to Ryan Dunleavy, Thomas has now missed 18 of 34 games since his All-Pro year in 2022. The Giants have struggled in his absence, particularly with Neal, the seventh overall pick two years ago, facing challenges in his performance.

While the offensive line situation remains uncertain, the outlook for the defensive front has improved with the latest addition.

Armon Watts Adds Experience, Scheme Knowledge

The addition of Armon Watts to the practice squad was confirmed by Giants.com Senior Managing Editor Dan Salomone, who also noted that cornerback Duke Shelley was released to make space for the 28-year-old defensive tackle.

Despite being cut by the New England Patriots earlier this offseason, Watts brings significant starting experience to the team. He previously started for the Chicago Bears and played 15 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.

Watts had his most productive years with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019 to 2021, a period that also ties him to the Giants. He worked under defensive line coach Andre Patterson during his best season in 2021, when he recorded five sacks and 46 tackles.

At 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, Watts is well-suited for the Giants’ 3-4 defense. With 8.5 career sacks, 39 pressures, and 19 hurries, he has the potential to make an impact in pass-rush situations.

His chances of seeing playing time are promising, not only because of his familiarity with Patterson’s scheme but also due to the available opportunities on the depth chart. While the Giants have some solid options like D.J. Davidson and undrafted rookie Elijah Chatman, there’s still a place for a seasoned lineman, especially ahead of 2023 seventh-round pick Jordon Riley.