The New York Giants rebult their offensive line this off-season with the primary hold-over being left tackle Andrew Thomas.
Thomas had a phenomenal 2021 campaign, giving up just two sacks and 18 total pressures. During his rookie season, Thomas gave up 10 sacks and 57 total pressures, indicating a monstrous spike in growth and development.
New management is expecting Thomas to be their book-end left tackle for the future, but they prioritized upgrading every other position as well to help quarterback Daniel Jones reach his potential.
Thomas, though, has been recovering from minor ankle surgery this past off-season. Thomas had a visible limp during mandatory minicamp and voluntary workouts.
However, a video of him working out and exercising on his ankle shows no issues.
Andrew Thomas getting that WORK in before training camp!
Working his way back from ankle surgery — need a big Year 3 from our left tackle ?
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) June 22, 2022
In the clip, Andrew is participating in multiple running drills and weight-oriented workouts, which should strengthen the ligaments around his ankle. The former 1st round pick has dealt with reoccurring ankle issues during the first two years of his career.
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Who would be the New York Giants’ backup LT?
With Thomas rehabilitating, the Giants have asked rookie fourth-round pick out of UNC Josh Ezeudu to feature at left tackle with the first team. Ezeudu spent plenty of time at left tackle with UNC, sometimes transitioning to the position midway through an offensive drive. However, the Giants are hoping he can lock down the left guard position after a battle during training camp.
Thomas has had to deal with inadequacies at left guard the past two seasons, including a myriad of lackluster options in 2021. Now, the Giants have Ezeudu, Max Garcia, and Shane Lemieux making a return to compete.
Overall, it was great to see Thomas making significant progress with his ankle and strengthening it for the 2022 regular season. Luckily, he has another month before training camp begins; Thomas should be 100% by the start of the new campaign.