The New York Giants are preparing for left tackle Andrew Thomas to potentially miss Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Coming off an extravagant win over the New Orleans Saints last weekend, the Giants would like to build off their success, but a strong Dallas team requires all hands on deck.
With Thomas being listed as questionable for the game, losing him would represent a massive hole on the offensive front. He currently hosts a 79 overall pass-blocking grade, a massive uptick compared to his 54.7 grade last season, per PFF. He hasn’t allowed a sack through four games, stonewalling Cam Jordan last week in arguably his best performance as a professional.
Dealing with a foot injury, Thomas was limping noticeably during practice this week but was able to participate in a limited fashion.
Thomas stated regarding the injury:
“Sore, but I’m doing everything that the trainers are asking me to do. Taking care of it, doing a lot of treatment, trying to get it ready.”
Commenting on his participation in practice, Thomas said:
Good. I was in the rotation yesterday, in the rotation today with (Tackle) Nate (Solder) and (Tackle) Matt (Peart), so we’ll see what happens Sunday.
Projected starting OL without Andrew Thomas:
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Matt Skura
C: Billy Price
RG: Will Hernandez
RT: Matt Peart
In the case that Thomas is forced to miss Week 5, veteran tackle Nate Solder will likely take over at his traditional spot. Solder has spent the beginning portion of the season at right tackle, where he struggled for the most part. Coming off a 2020 season where Solder spent his time from home opting out due to COVID-19, he has allowed two sacks, three QB hits, six hurries, and 11 pressures over 246 snaps this season. Thomas taking such a big leap forward has allowed coordinator Jason Garrett to provide Solder with a bit more help on the right side, but he would have to shift over in the worst-case scenario.
The last time Solder played right tackle was back in 2011 during his rookie season with the New England Patriots. He played in 780 snaps during that year but spent eight seasons beyond that at left tackle, presenting himself as one of the most sturdy options in the league before making his way to the Giants and struggling considerably.
Of course, that would force sophomore lineman Matt Peart into the starting RT spot. Peart has enjoyed all of just 19 snaps this year. All 19 came against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. With little to no game experience this season in the new system run by OL coach Rob Sale, the Giants could be staring down the barrel of a loaded gun if Thomas is forced to miss any time.