New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll was straightforward when addressing the team’s plans after losing left tackle Andrew Thomas to season-ending Lisfranc surgery following Week 6. “You can’t replace an Andrew Thomas,” he said, and so far, that’s been accurate. The Giants initially placed backup Joshua Ezeudu in Thomas’ role, hoping to minimize changes to the offensive line. However, in Week 7’s 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Giants quarterbacks were sacked eight times, exposing the line’s issues.
Other options are available, though not particularly promising. The team could shift right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to left tackle and reinsert Evan Neal into the lineup, though Neal has struggled with injury and inconsistency. Another option is veteran Chris Hubbard, whom the Giants signed before Week 7. Despite these choices, the team remains hesitant, leading them to explore outside options for help on the offensive line.
According to Adam Schefter, the Giants brought in veteran tackle D.J. Humphries for a workout. Recovering from a torn ACL, Humphries is the most experienced and polished free-agent tackle available. A former first-round pick in 2015, he spent eight years with the Arizona Cardinals and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Although his performance has declined to average in recent seasons, he was a standout in 2020.
If the Giants believe Humphries can perform near his previous level, they’ll likely extend him an offer. With an offensive line that has become a significant problem, the primary concern is Humphries’ knee, as he underwent surgery in January. Unlike the other players available, Humphries has spent almost his entire career at left tackle, making him a more natural fit for the Giants’ needs. If healthy, he would be a clear upgrade, as talented offensive linemen rarely remain unsigned this deep into the season. With the team’s season in decline, taking a chance on Humphries is a sensible move for New York.
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