Giants HC gives concerning answer on Evan Neal's status for Week 1

New York Giants right tackle Evan Neal could be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but head coach Brian Daboll is making no promises.

Neal missed all of the spring workouts after undergoing ankle surgery immediately after the 2023 season ended. Then, he opened camp on the PUP list.

When asked by reporters Sunday at training camp whether Neal would be ready for Week 1, head coach Brian Daboll was noncommittal.

"Yeah, I'd say this, it's day-to-day, and each day he's getting better. When he's ready to go, he'll be ready to go," Daboll said.

That's not the most encouraging answer for a player who has battled injuries throughout his short career.

Granted, it could be Daboll making sure they don't over-promise and under-deliver if Neal isn't ready to go.

But the fact that Neal is eight months removed from surgery and still isn't even taking limited reps is a bit concerning.

All players heal differently, and Neal has been dealing with ailments ever since the Giants drafted him No. 7 overall in 2022.

Only time will tell whether Neal will get back on the field for Week 1, and Jermaine Eluemunor will take his place in the meantime.