The New York Giants have struggled along the offensive line since left tackle Andrew Thomas was lost for the season due to a foot injury. On Sunday in Germany against the Carolina Panthers, they will shake things up a bit and return embattled offensive lineman Evan Neal to the starting role.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reports that Neal will reassume the job at right tackle, meaning veteran Jermaine Eluemunor will shift to left tackle.
#Giants expected to start Evan Neal @AlabamaFTBL at right tackle Sunday for @NFL international game against #Panthers in Munich, Germany, per a league source @KPRC2 #NFL #Germany
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 9, 2024
Neal, who has struggled mightily throughout his career, lost the starting job to Eluemunor in training camp after starting on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and has taken just two snaps in jumbo packages this season.
Despite Neal’s underwhelming performance at right tackle, the Giants and head coach Brian Daboll have been reluctant to move him inside to guard. Instead, they have praised his development at tackle and left the door open for an eventual return, which comes after another struggling veteran, left takcle Chris Hubbard, missed time in practice this week due to an illness.
Hubbard did travel with the team to Munich and was not given an injury designation on Friday, indicting that this is a move based strictly on performance and personnel.
“I think Evan’s doing a great job of just working at the right tackle position and getting himself in the position to help the team,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said in October, via Sports Illustrated. “He does everything we ask. He’s been doing extra, which we enjoy. He seems to be in a good spot. I’m pleased with where he’s at.
“I think his natural position is tackle, and I think that’s what we’re emphasizing. . . Why not just see what he can be at right tackle, which I think he feels comfortable at, as do I.”
Neal’s rocky career with the Giants has included some ugly and baffling moments, and some conflict with fans.
