Giants tackle Andrew Thomas fresh off PUP list, returns to practice
Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas during practice in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 7. Credit: Ed Murray
Two days before the Giants’ preseason finale Thursday, the team got a welcome addition at practice. Left tackle Andrew Thomas returned after being sidelined from foot surgery since last October.
Thomas was officially activated off the physically unable to perform list Tuesday. Coach Brian Daboll said this was the target date for him to be back and added it was another step in his rehab process.
“We'll take it slow, but the trainers did a really good job and AT's done a nice job,” Daboll said. “We'll just keep building him.”
Thomas was limited in position drills and didn’t participate in full team drills. Yet it was key to be off the PUP list soon if he had any chance to play in the season opener Sept. 7 at the Washington Commanders.
General manager Joe Schoen said in July the team anticipated him being ready by then but things could change. Thomas didn’t want to be held to any deadline and was just glad he made enough strides to return to the field.
“I’m just going one day at a time. I can’t really predict that right now,” Thomas said in his first comments since January. “Just seeing the progress that I’ve made over the last few weeks. We don’t know where it will end up but I’m just trying to do everything I can to be back.”
Thomas played just six games last season before suffering a Lisfranc foot injury against the Bengals Oct. 13. It came after playing just 10 games in 2023 because of a hamstring injury.
He won’t play Thursday against the Patriots but Thomas, who signed a five-year, $117.5 million contract extension two years ago, was confident he’d be up to game speed when he’s cleared to do so. This is the first training camp he’s missed so there’s an adjustment after not facing live action in 10 months.
“I’m just trying to take as many mental reps as I can,” Thomas said. “There’s nothing to replicate a full speed rep, full speed bull rush and things of that nature. But I think if my body’s healthy, I can react and be a good player.”
He also spoke to former Giants center Shaun O’Hara about managing his rehab since O’Hara suffered a Lisfranc foot sprain during his career. Thomas said that as a bigger guy, it’s made the recovery slower with the added weight.
A rehab day would make Thomas’ foot sore for two to three days. The pain has subsided but doctors told Thomas there’s lingering soreness he’ll have to manage, especially in the first year post surgery.
It’s why he’s focusing more on the process than being ready by a certain date. He was glad to be on the field Tuesday but also patient knowing there’s still work ahead before he’ll resume his starting role.
“This is the most I've done in a long time today,” Thomas said. “I thought it went well today, so we'll continue to build. We haven't really discussed weeks in advance yet, but I'm just doing my best to be ready when I'm ready.”
Nabers, Skattebo return to practice
Malik Nabers returned to practice Tuesday after being held out last week due to injury. He did position drills but was held out of team drills as was safety Tyler Nubin. Running back Cam Skattebo also returned after being out since Aug. 1 and participated in both team and position drills.
Tight ends Daniel Bellinger and Chris Manhertz also were full practice participants after sitting out Saturday’s preseason win over the Jets. Daboll said any decisions on who plays in Thursday’s preseason finale would be discussed after practice.
Assistant GM Brown denies Winston trade rumors
If there’s speculation that the Giants might trade backup quarterback Jameis Winston, assistant general manger Brandon Brown seemed to quiet that talk.
“I appreciate people that are interested but Jameis is a New York Giant,” Brown said Tuesday. “With the way that he’s gone about his business from day one, he’s made it very intentional with the fact that he wants to be here for the long haul.”
Winston, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, is third in the Giants’ quarterback pecking order behind Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart. Brown added that Winston’s leadership made him another role model for Dart to learn from along with the two sharing an interest in yoga.
“It’s really been great for a young quarterback to grow and also just see someone who’s had a perspective outside the building on how to prep and be a pro,” Brown said.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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