The New York Giants could be getting a boost to their offensive line soon. Veteran offensive lineman Nick Gates is returning to practice after a long absence from the team. Gates suffered a season-ending lower-leg injury last season that nearly threatened his career. But Nick Gates is now ready to return to the practice field and could make an impact for the New York Giants at some point later this season.
The expectation is that Nick Gates will soon be activated off of the PUP list this week. After that, he will have 21-days to practice before the Giants determine his status for the rest of the regular season. Gates could be placed on IR after the three weeks, or he could be elevated to the active roster.
What will Nick Gates’s impact on the Giants be in 2022?
If Nick Gates were to be elevated to the active roster, he could find himself in somewhat of a positional battle. The New York Giants’ offensive line lacks depth and is currently dealing with a group of banged-up guys on the interior. Guards Mark Glowinski and Ben Bredeson have both dealt with some minor injuries this year. Nick Gates has the ability to play every position on the interior. If Gates does prove to be healthy and makes the team, he could serve as a backup for the left guard, the center, and the right guard.
Prior to his injury last season, Nick Gates had started 19 consecutive games, including 17 at center. Jon Feliciano is currently starting for the Giants at center and it seems unlikely that Gates would be able to overtake that position. However, the Giants could do with some extra depth behind Feliciano, a need Gates might be able to fulfill.
Nick Gates is a fan favorite. New York Giants fans will be excited to see Gates return to practice. Nick Gates is entering his fifth season in the NFL. It was a long, winding road back from the injury suffered last season, but it appears that Nick Gates is finally ready for action again and could soon serve as a backup on the New York Giants’ regular-season roster.