It looks like the Philadelphia Eagles won’t be the only team without their starting left tackle in this week’s game against the New York Giants.
While Jordan Mailata is dealing with a hamstring injury that’s expected to keep him out of multiple games, Andrew Thomas has reportedly suffered a foot injury that will “most likely” keep him out for the rest of the season. This much according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Thomas is not just the Giants’ best offensive lineman but one of the very best players on their roster.
It remains to be seen how the Giants plan to replace Thomas. Our enemies over at Big Blue View outlined two different scenarios:
1) Backup offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu fills in at left tackle
2) Starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor moves to left tackle, Evan Neal comes in off the bench to play right tackle
Ezeudu was really bad in relief of Thomas last year:
I can see Giants fans screaming “Noooooooo” at the mention of this possibility.
This is what the Giants did last season after Thomas suffered a Week 1 hamstring injury that knocked him out of the lineup for seven games. Ezeudu played six games at left tackle, starting five.
The results were disastrous.
Ezeudu posted a 42.4 overall PFF grade, 130th out of 137 offensive tackles grades. His 39.3 grade as a pass blocker was 121st. Ezeudu’s 95.0 pass-blocking efficiency rating was 88th.
Neal has also struggled when he’s had to play, as evidenced by his precipitous drop from being the No. 7 overall pick to being a backup behind a free agent journeyman.
The Eagles’ pass rush was largely able to take advantage of an injured and struggling Cleveland Browns offensive line in Week 6. With Thomas out, the Eagles’ defensive line could be primed for more success in Week 7.
