Giants promote center Shane McDermott for Bears game
New York Giants center Shane McDermott runs with a ball during a loose ball drill during training camp on. Aug. 9, 2016. Credit: Brad Penner
With two interior offensive linemen out and another listed as questionable, the Giants promoted C Shane McDermott from their practice squad on Saturday. McDermott was with the Giants in training camp and on the practice squad until mid-September. He was added to the practice squad just this week in the face of the injuries.
The Giants will face the Bears on Sunday without starting guard Justin Pugh (knee) or his initial replacement, Brett Jones (calf). Marshall Newhouse is expected to get the start at left guard in their place. His backup, Adam Gettis (calf) is listed as questionable.
“It’s always a challenge,” offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said this week of shuffling the offensive line, which has taken place in the last two games. When Pugh left with his injury against the Eagles, Jones replaced him without having taken many practice reps at guard. On Monday against the Bengals Jones started but was injured on the opening drive. Newhouse, a tackle, replaced him but also moved to the outside as a tight end for blocking schemes and running downs. Gettis played guard on the snaps when Newhouse was on the outside.
“You’d love to have the continuity,” Sullivan said. “We’re hoping that if different guys are called upon, they’re able to perform as well against Chicago.”
To make room for McDermott on the 53-man roster the Giants waived LB Deontae Skinner.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
