The Giants desperately need their elite left tackle, Andrew Thomas, on the field for most (if not all) of the 2025 season.
But now, it looks like Thomas at least won’t play in Sunday’s Week 1 game at the Commanders.
Thomas, still recovering from last year’s season-ending foot injury that required surgery, didn’t practice Thursday, after being a limited participant Wednesday. That’s not a good development for the Giants.
Given how James Hudson looked in the preseason, starting him would not be ideal. But the Giants might have to do just that in Washington.
If Thomas is healthy and on the field — whenever that happens — he and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor give the Giants a nice bookend duo. Of course, the interior line — Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz and Greg Van Roten — will be an issue no matter who plays left tackle.
But quite obviously, the Giants’ offensive line — and their offense as a whole — is lot more effective with Thomas on the field.
Thomas played just six games last season after playing 10 in 2023. Because of durability issues, he has yet to live up to the lucrative second contract he got before the 2023 season.
And the Giants’ offensive line — a major problem for this team for so long — has continued to struggle. In 2023, the Giants finished 32nd in Pro Football Focus’ pass blocking ratings, compared to 30th in run blocking. Last season, they were 28th and 23rd in those categories.
Will this group stink again in 2025? A lot of that question depends on Thomas’ availability — or lack thereof.
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Darryl Slater may be reached atdslater@njadvancemedia.com.
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