It’s been almost a year since Andrew Thomas has suited up for the New York Giants. The left tackle was shelved last October with a season-ending Lisfranc injury that required surgery, and his recovery has been a storyline ever since.
Thomas, who signed a five-year, $117.5 million contract extension before the 2023 season, has spent much of the past two years on the sideline. He’s missed 18 games in total, including 11 last season, and began 2025 training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. In his absence, veteran James Hudson and rookie Marcus Mbow have handled left tackle duties.
After the Giants’ 31-12 preseason win over the Jets, head coach Brian Daboll gave fans his usual non-answer: “We’ll take it day by day and see where we’re at. Each day he gets a little bit better, so we’ll make that decision when we think it’s best for us and him.” The looming concern was clear: if Thomas wasn’t activated off the PUP list by August 26 at 4 p.m. EST, he would be forced to miss the first four games of the season.
Giants LT Andrew Thomas passes physical and is so back
That concern eased on Monday when the G-Men announced Thomas had officially passed his physical and returned to practice. It’s a huge development, as the 26-year-old is not only the team’s best lineman but also one of the premier left tackles in the NFL. His presence stabilizes an offensive line that desperately needs consistency heading into the new year.
If Thomas continues to progress, he’ll anchor the left side of a line expected to finally build some continuity in 2025. But if there’s any setback, the Giants may have to turn again to Hudson, who has 17 career starts, or Mbow, who’s impressed with his versatility across the line this summer.
Thomas remains the key to it all. His return to practice is exactly what the Giants needed, but they’ll still be holding their breath until he’s back on the field in a real game.
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