The New York Giants play the Dallas Cowboys later today, and they should have Andrew Thomas on the field when they do it. The left tackle has been questionable all week because of a foot injury, and the decision to let him play seems to have come in at the last minute.
Plan is for LT Andrew Thomas to play Sunday vs. Cowboys barring a setback, per source. Key for Giants OL with him playing his best football.
Thomas was questionable (foot). Was serious doubt this week. He limped around while being limited at practice, but plans to tough it out.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 10, 2021
It’s not a stretch to call this move a surprise. Thomas was limited in practice throughout the week and the injury was sustained to the same foot that he had surgery on in the offseason. That injury appeared to be a major factor in his play last year,
Thomas has been a major part of the offensive line this season. The year has come with a step up in his performance, and the Giants especially need Thomas on the field given the absence of others on the offensive line due to injuries.
The team can only field a portion of their expected offensive line from the beginning of the season right now, and to also lose Thomas would be a critical blow.
With that being said, Thomas may not be 100% even if he does play.
He’s been battling the injury all week and hasn’t shown the signs of making a full recovery. While Thomas is set to play, it appears he’s playing through the injury rather than playing healthy.
The extent of how much the injury will affect his play on the field remains to be seen, but it’s something to keep in mind as context for any changes in performance.