The New York Giants have a competition brewing at left guard. The starting job is up for grabs as the Giants have a few options at the position. Many believe a new acquisition, like veteran free agent Max Garcia or rookie third-round pick Joshua Ezeudu, will win the position. But could third-year Giants’ guard Shane Lemieux steal the starting left guard spot?
Shane Lemieux returns to Giants practices
The New York Giants selected Shane Lemieux with their fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Oregon product quickly made his way into the starting lineup as a rookie. He played in twelve and started in nine games. Lemieux struggled, but despite a tumultuous rookie season, he earned the starting job in his sophomore 2021 season. That was until Shane Lemieux Underwent season-ending surgery on his knee in Week Two.
Just like that, Shane Lemieux’s first full season as a starter was stripped away before it ever really got started. He spent the entire year on injured reserve recovering from surgery to fix a partially torn patellar tendon. Entering this season, though, Shane Lemieux appears to be completely healthy and ready to steal his starting job back.
Lemieux working with the first team
Shane Lemieux has returned to practice for the Giants and has reportedly been working with the starters. It was encouraging to see Shane Lemieux kick off this summer of practices without a red jersey, one worn by players recovering from injuries. Lemieux was thrilled to trade in that red jersey for a blue one. “I was itching to get it off because I didn’t even want the persona, I guess,” Lemieux said, via the New York Post. “I didn’t want to be in that jersey, and I did everything I could to get out of it. The training staff did everything they could to get me back out here, so I’m really grateful for everyone in this building.”
New York Giants HC Brian Daboll confident in Shane Lemieux
Brian Daboll shed some insight on his and the coaching staff’s thoughts on Shane Lemieux. Daboll offered high-praise for the 25-year-old guard and explainde how the Buffalo Bills were also keen on Lemieux as a prospect entering the 2020 NFL Draft. “He’s a tough, smart, dependable guy,” Daboll said. “Plays with a nasty edge, which you need up front. He’s smart. He’s what I thought he was when we evaluated him. Now, when the pads get on, he’ll have an opportunity to show that.”
Shane Lemieux: No Regrets
When reflecting on his decisions regarding his injury last year, Shane Lemieux has “no regrets.” The injury was initially suffered during training camp as Lemieux was carted off during one practice. But it was only a partial tear, so Shane decided to try to play through it because his teammates needed him. He gave it a go and, unfortunately, it only worsened the injury, forcing his hand into a season-ending surgery. But Shane Lemieux is healthy not and “ready to roll.”
“I didn’t really think, ‘I’ve got to tough through this,’” Lemieux said. “It was just like, ‘My teammates need me, and I love this game so much.’ I was going to do everything I could to get on that field. No regrets. It’s a new year and look at me: I’m here now, I’m healthy, and I’m ready to roll.” – Shane Lemieux via NY Post