New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed to the assembled media that starting left tackle Andrew Thomas would practice on Friday. At the same time, he announced that star wide receiver Malik Nabers wouldn’t practice due to back tightness.
Daboll said that Thomas would participate in at least some team drills, and the medical staff would assess his status after practice. Thomas has had a lengthy recovery from surgery to repair the lisfranc injury that ended his 2024 season. The team has maintained that they have a plan for getting him back into playing shape and it’s clear that they don’t want to rush his recovery.
Thomas is viewed by many as the lynchpin to the Giants’ season. There have been a number of analysts who believe that the team now has the talent to be a threat in the NFC — if the offensive line holds up. The Giants have done a considerable amount of work to shore up their depth on the offensive line, but there’s still a big drop-off from a healthy Thomas to any reserve player.
As for Nabers, Daboll isn’t worried about him missing the game on Sunday. Being held out of practice on Friday seems to be a planned de-load to manage the back issue which cropped up in the preseason. The Giants’ head coach assured reporters that he isn’t worried about Nabers, saying “He’ll be all right,” for Sunday.
Thomas practiced on a limited basis with the starters in team drills, but said after practice that the final decision on his status for Sunday will be determined by how he feels on Saturday. He is managing pain and soreness, but his status for Sunday will come down to the risk of re-injury.
“Doubtful” is defined by the NFL as “unlikely to play”.
Malik Nabers was not given an injury designation and appears to be a full go for Sunday.