Andrew Thomas injury: Breaking down NY Giants options to replace their star left tackle

EAST RUTHERFORD - There should be no debate of just how valuable Andrew Thomas is to the New York Giants .

If you need proof, turn on the tape of last season: the games he did not play in and the ones he did.

In a cruel twist of fate, the Giants are seemingly back to where they never wanted to be again.

Thomas is out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious foot injury in Sunday's 17-7 loss to the Bengals. The Giants' star left tackle underwent surgery Wednesday morning to repair a Lisfranc injury, an individual with knowledge of the situation told NorthJersey.com.

Thomas, 25, had played every snap this season, as was the case with the entire Giants offensive line, which has taken a significant step forward after pretty much an entire decade of the team trying (and failing) to rebuild the group into a consistent force. The Giants (2-4) did just that, and while Thomas is not alone in terms of his importance on the line, he's the anchor and one of the most talented players at the position in the NFL.

Now his injury derailed not only his season, but threatens the Giants' chances at getting back into contention in the NFC East in advance of Sunday's game against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

Thomas' introduction to the NFL was rough, and he's the first to admit the struggles he endured early helped pave the way to where he is. Critics are no longer harping on what Thomas can't do as the No. 4 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. But now he is forced to deal with what promises to be a lengthy recovery as his quest to prove he deserves recognition as one of the best offensive linemen in the league is in jeopardy.

So how will the Giants compensate for the loss of Thomas? It won't be easy, but here are the most apparent options:

Jermaine Eluemunor

Eluemunor spent the spring pegged as the starting left guard and moved to right tackle on the eve of training camp. He has brought a sense of calm on the right side, and the question now is whether the Giants will attempt to move that presence to left tackle. The 29-year-old has made such a difference at right tackle, but he does have experience at left tackle, having 422 snaps there in his career, and would seem to be the best option.

Evan Neal

Neal, 24, could get a chance to change his career, which to this point has been defined by injury and poor play. The No. 7 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft lost the right tackle job when he began camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to offseason ankle surgery. Neal has been working exclusively at right tackle since being activated in late August, yet has not played a snap in the first six games on offense or special teams.

Joshua Ezeudu

Ezeudu, 25, was forced into action at left tackle last season after Thomas injured his hamstring in Week 1, and he took his lumps. The 2022 third-round pick was drafted for his projection at guard, but after failing to win the starting job in the offseason, he kicked out to tackle and experienced more valleys than peaks in an up-and-down 2023.

He has worked into the lineup on game day on special teams (20 snaps) and as an extra blocker, playing three snaps. It would appear he is ahead of Neal in the pecking order, but given the Giants' offensive line has played 100 of the snaps in six games, Giants coach Brian Daboll and line coach Carmen Bricillo may have other ideas if Thomas misses extended time as expected.

if Eluemunor stays at right tackle, Ezeudu could be next man up at left.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Andrew Thomas injury: Breaking down NY Giants options to replace their star left tackle