Giants’ Andrew Thomas injury update raises doubt about his Week 1 status vs. the Washington Commanders
The New York Giants need Andrew Thomas against the Washington Commanders, but today’s update on his health only creates more questions.
The most crucial looming question for the New York Giants is whether starting left tackle Andrew Thomas will play against the Washington Commanders this Sunday.
Giants fans are desperately seeking a positive update after Thomas was recently activated from the PUP list. His participation in Wednesday’s practice was a massive positive step, but the questions are back after he was held out on Thursday per multiple reports.
What’s the reality with Andrew Thomas’ health?
Thomas is returning from Lisfranc surgery after suffering a season-ending injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. For an offensive lineman, any lower-body injury will be dealt with severe caution. That carefulness is multiplied for a player like Thomas, who has missed 18 games over the last two seasons.
Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan and other Giants media members on X, Thomas being held out of Thursday’s practice is not an indicator he won’t be available this Sunday. Apparently, the decision to keep Thomas out of practice was a part of the recovery plan built for him. Friday will be the true decider of whether he’ll play this Sunday.
Still, it’s not promising to see Thomas held out of practice. NFL coaches attempt to confuse their opponent’s preparations by playing games with a player’s practice availability. For that reason, there’s no real way to know if Thomas is actually on track to dress.
Thomas’ availability may be the most important of any player on the roster. When he’s on the field, he’s one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Without Thomas, the Giants’ offensive line is a severe liability. Although the OL has improved over the last two seasons, having Thomas can make or break a close game for New York.
Thomas restructures his contract
Thomas’ injury update wasn’t the only news for him today, as ESPN’s Field Yates reported on Thursday that the Giants restructured his contract.
The adjustment adds a $3.05 million cap hit to the next four years of his contract and opens up $12.2 million in cap space for the team in 2025. Contract restructuring is a maneuver often done across the NFL, so this procedure is nothing out of the ordinary.
However, it does potentially complicate how Thomas could be handled in the future. While ideally Thomas would be a part of the Giants’ plans, if he continues to be plagued by injuries, it will cost them to cut him.
Thomas’ five-year $117 contract runs through 2029, so the adjustment to increase his cap hit in the future reflects a sign of appreciation and confidence in their blind side protector.
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