GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Giants will be without their best offensive player Sunday against the Cardinals because left tackle Andrew Thomas’ hamstring did not heal as quickly as hoped.
Thomas called himself a “game-time decision” and expected to go through pregame warmups, but he was not spotted working out with the rest of the offensive linemen before kickoff.
He is inactive for the game.
Andrew Thomas (78) and Bobby Okereke (58) react as they walk off the field following the Giants’ 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sept. 10, 2023. Bill Kostroun for New York PostThe Giants threw a curveball in response to losing Thomas: The plan is to start guard Josh Ezeudu – not swing tackle Matt Peart – at left tackle.
Ezeudu, who played some left tackle at North Carolina before he was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, did not take any reps at left tackle during training camp but began working there after the preseason ended and the roster was cut from 90 players to 53.
Joshua Ezeudu is set to start in Andrew Thomas’ place Sunday. Robert Sabo for NY PostBoth Peart and Ezeudu played last week after Thomas was removed in the fourth quarter of a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys.
If Peart is not the swing tackle, his role on the team is uncertain, especially because he was a full participant in Friday’s practice after undergoing an MRI earlier in the week.
Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas at practice in July 2023. Robert Sabo for NY PostIf losing Thomas wasn’t a big enough blow in its own right, the Giants have huge questions on the right side of their line, where guard Mark Glowinski and tackle Evan Neal combined to allow 17 quarterback pressures against the Cowboys.
They both graded out among the worst in the NFL at their respective positions in Week 1, and Glowinski is no lock to start ahead of Marcus McKethan (zero career offensive snaps in one career game after missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL).
Thomas not playing was first reported by ESPN and Ezeudu starting was first reported by NorthJersey.com.
