With All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas out for the season after undergoing surgery Wednesday morning to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his left foot, the New York Giants must now try to fill the hole left.
On Wednesday morning, coach Brian Daboll gave reporters a brief look at what the team’s collective thinking is on the topic, and it wasn’t what many were expecting.
Daboll said former third-round pick Joshua Ezeudu will take the first team snaps at left tackle in practice, with Jermaine Eluemunor remaining on the right side and Evan Neal remaining on the sideline.
“Well, there’s no replacing Andrew Thomas. I feel terrible for him. I was able to text with that person today. He had surgery this morning and everything was successful. He’s a leader, he’s a captain, he’s great in the locker room and he’s a very good football player. This is what player development is all about. Evan (Neal) had six weeks in the regular season, taking the majority of the right tackle snaps in case something happened to Jermaine (Eluemunor). Ezeudu took the left tackle snap. But when something like this happens, we discuss how we want to approach it. “We’ll work on a few things here this week, and we’ll make a decision on what to do after practice on Friday.”
Daboll also said a decision on the lineup won’t be made until Friday, but it appears Ezeudu, who has been shaky at times but is said to be much improved, will get the first dip at left tackle.
#giants100 Daboll – Ezeudu is very athletic and has good feet… Excellent for practice… Technology has improved… Right attitude… Good team member… There will be an opportunity to show a few days before the decision is made.
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) October 16, 2024
If Ezeudu doesn’t pass the test, the Giants will likely follow the plan they think is most logical. The idea is to move Eluemunor to left tackle and fill the right side with Neal.
