The New York Giants could have offensive line reinforcements on the way. Former starting center Nick Gates could be making his return to the team. Gates returned to practice at the beginning of this month, giving the Giants 21-days to decide on his future. As that time period comes to a close, the New York Giants are preparing to make a decision on Nick Gates’s future.
The Giants are making a decision on Nick Gates
On October fifth, New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates returned to practice. Gates suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2 of the 2021 season. Since then he has undergone seven surgeries, recovering from a broken left leg. Now Nick Gates is practicing and might be ready to return to regular season action.
The Giants have until next Wednesday, the 26th, to activate Gates or return him to PUP for the remainder of the season. This deadline is rapidly approaching and the Giants are in need of offensive line reinforcements. Starting right tackle Evan Neal and left guard Ben Bredeson will miss time with leg injuries. Getting Gates back on the depth chart would be tremendously beneficial for Big Blue. Nick Gates might not be able to return in a starting capacity this season, but it would behoove the Giants to activate him off the PUP list as a depth/practice player.
“(Gates is) getting closer,” Daboll said. “I think he’s had a good couple of weeks of practice. … I think he’s made progress each and every day. Learning our system, it’s different when you’re practicing in a new system. You can sit in a classroom all you want, but I think he’s made good progress.”
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll on Nick Gates’s progress at practice in October
Nick Gates started 19 straight games for the New York Giants before his injury in 2021. Even though he has been practicing with the team, Gates has no expectations for his future and is taking a “day-by-day” approach to his career.
“I’m just trying to take it day-by-day,” Gates said. “I’m not trying to look that far ahead. I’m just looking to tomorrow and trying to win the day tomorrow and just give them the best opportunity to evaluate me.”
Nick Gates on his future with the Giants
The New York Giants will make their decision on Nick Gates soon enough. If the team decides not to activate him to their roster, Gates will, unfortunately, be unable to return for the remainder of the 2022 season. But considering he has made progress in practice and the Giants are shorthanded on the interior of their offensive line, there is a chance that Nick Gates will be back in Big Blue in no time.