Injuries continue to hit the New York Giants ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. While star left tackle Andrew Thomas is projected to make his return after missing the last six weeks due to a hamstring injury, the team has lost a few depth pieces over the past week.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Giants announced that rookie running back Eric Gray and veteran offensive tackle Matt Peart will be placed on injured reserve. Gray suffered a calf injury, and after muffing multiple punts this season, the Giants will likely be going in a different direction there, resulting in Gray moving into one of the last spots in the running back depth chart.
In addition to Gray, Gary Brightwell also picked up an injury but avoided the IR, so he should be back in a few weeks. In the meantime, the Giants signed familiar face Jashaun Corbin off the Panthers’ practice squad. They also claimed running back Deon Jackson from the Cleveland Browns off waivers, bolstering their unit.
Fortunately, both Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida are available and healthy, so these alternatives shouldn’t see the field unless either of those two suffer any injuries.
- Giants’ offense undergoing modernizing change with Daboll calling plays at camp
- Giants’ rookie safety not practicing at training camp due to calf injury
- The Giants might have a starting corner emerging from the pile
The Giants May Move On from Matt Peart
Peart being placed on IR isn’t a surprise since he’s barely played this season. He has been dealing with an injury to his elbow earlier this year but picked up a shoulder issue against the Miami Dolphins when he played 24 snaps and gave up four pressures.
Unfortunately for Peart, the Giants have started transitioning to Tyre Phillips and Justin Pugh as their primary backup tackles. The 26-year-old former third-round pick out of Connecticut may be the odd man out moving forward, meaning this will likely be his final season with the Giants as they look to more durable options.
Last week, Phillips played valiantly in the absence of Evan Neal. The 26-year-old played 68 total snaps and gave up just one pressure, earning one of the best pass-blocking grades on the team. If Neal is unable to go against the Jets on Sunday afternoon, expect Phillip to get to start right tackle once again, who will certainly have his hands full against a dominant Jets pass rush.