Why it matters: The health of these players is crucial for the Giants’ success as they aim to improve upon last season's performance.
Andrew Thomas, a foundational left tackle, has been absent due to a Lisfranc injury but is expected to play a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Daniel Jones.
Malik Nabers, a promising wide receiver, returned to practice after a 12-day absence, providing the team with additional depth at the position.
What’s new: Andrew Thomas was elevated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after passing a physical examination.
Thomas did not participate in spring workouts and has not played since his surgery last year.
The Giants have struggled in his absence, winning only three of 18 games without him over the past two seasons.
Yes, but: While the returns of Thomas and Nabers are encouraging, their participation in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots is unlikely.
This raises questions about how prepared they will be for the regular season opener against the Washington Commanders on September 6.
By the numbers: Last season, Thomas helped anchor an offensive line that allowed the Giants to make significant strides offensively.
His presence is expected to bolster a unit that averaged 21.4 points per game, ranking 18th in the league, while Nabers’ potential impact as a rookie could provide crucial support to a receiving corps that includes established players like Darius Slayton.
Zoom In: Thomas expressed relief at returning to practice: “It feels great. It has been a long time. I'm grateful to be back out there.”
His comments highlight the mental and physical challenges of recovering from a serious injury, especially for someone of his size.
What’s next: Coach Brian Daboll emphasized a cautious approach to Thomas's reintegration into team activities.
“We’ll take it slow,” Daboll stated. “The trainers did a really good job and [Thomas has] done a nice job. We'll just keep building him.”
The bottom line: As the Giants look to build on last season's playoff appearance, the successful return of Thomas, Nabers, and Skattebo will be critical in achieving their goals for the 2023 NFL season.
Why it matters: The health of these players is crucial for the Giants’ success as they aim to improve upon last season's performance.
Andrew Thomas, a foundational left tackle, has been absent due to a Lisfranc injury but is expected to play a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Daniel Jones.
Malik Nabers, a promising wide receiver, returned to practice after a 12-day absence, providing the team with additional depth at the position.
What’s new: Andrew Thomas was elevated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after passing a physical examination.
Thomas did not participate in spring workouts and has not played since his surgery last year.
The Giants have struggled in his absence, winning only three of 18 games without him over the past two seasons.
Yes, but: While the returns of Thomas and Nabers are encouraging, their participation in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots is unlikely.
This raises questions about how prepared they will be for the regular season opener against the Washington Commanders on September 6.
By the numbers: Last season, Thomas helped anchor an offensive line that allowed the Giants to make significant strides offensively.
His presence is expected to bolster a unit that averaged 21.4 points per game, ranking 18th in the league, while Nabers’ potential impact as a rookie could provide crucial support to a receiving corps that includes established players like Darius Slayton.
Zoom In: Thomas expressed relief at returning to practice: “It feels great. It has been a long time. I'm grateful to be back out there.”
His comments highlight the mental and physical challenges of recovering from a serious injury, especially for someone of his size.
What’s next: Coach Brian Daboll emphasized a cautious approach to Thomas's reintegration into team activities.
“We’ll take it slow,” Daboll stated. “The trainers did a really good job and [Thomas has] done a nice job. We'll just keep building him.”
The bottom line: As the Giants look to build on last season's playoff appearance, the successful return of Thomas, Nabers, and Skattebo will be critical in achieving their goals for the 2023 NFL season.
