Giants Coach Daboll Reveals Plans for Backup Center Job

The New York Giants decided to keep 10 offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster.

Quickly, it would become clear that their initial cast of characters up front wouldn’t make it to Week 1 unscathed.

Backup center Austin Schlottmann suffered a broken fibula at practice this week, with an expected timeline of 8-10 weeks. New York replaced him on the roster by elevating fullback/tight end Jakob Johnson.

For those counting at home, that means the Giants are down to nine offensive linemen on the roster – not a peculiarity in itself, but it opens the door for some questions in the trenches.

New York is now without a true backup center. In the event of an injury to starter John Michael Schmitz, the responsibility will have to turn to a guard playing out of position.

Head coach Brian Daboll elaborated on those plans on Thursday.

“Well, GVR (Greg Van Roten) has played center. (Jon) Runyan can play center,” Daboll said. “We have guys that can play center that have played it. I'm thankful GVR got those reps coming in to play center when he got here, because he can play it. And (offensive line coach) Carm (Carmen Bricillo) has had experience with him at the Raiders and felt confident that he could do that even before we signed him. So, they've all gotten reps there.”

Fortunately, the team invested heavily into the interior offensive line this offseason. Signing Runyan and Van Roten supplied the team with two starting guards, and Aaron Stinnie is capable depth, too. It seems like Van Roten would get the first crack at the opportunity. He played there more than New York’s other options at camp. From there, it would be on either Stinnie or Jake Kubas to be promoted.

Of note, Jimmy Morrissey – who Schlottmann beat for the job – was added to the practice squad after the injury

There’s reason to be uncertain about the Giants’ offensive line, especially as their depth gets chipped away. But Daboll remained confident in his new-look group up front.

“Yeah, did a good job. Good communicators,” Daboll said. “Again, there's some experience on that line. They've played a lot of football, but it was good to have them out there. Good communication. Had a good practice.”

Related: Giants Promote Johnson, Place Schlottmann on Injured Reserve

The team hopes it won’t have to deal with much more turbulence along the offensive line. The first-team unit practiced in its entirety for the first time this week , just days before Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Given how last year’s injuries dismantled the offense, an emphasis on depth and versatility is no surprise. At least along the interior offensive line, New York has earned some confidence in that regard – even if the injuries have already begun.