Giants Place OT Andrew Thomas on PUP List with Foot Injury, Expected Back for Season Opener

The New York Giants have placed star left tackle Andrew Thomas on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to a lingering foot injury, the team announced Thursday morning. However, General Manager Joe Schoen offered an optimistic update, stating that Thomas “should be ready for the opener,” calming concerns about the lineman’s long-term availability.

Thomas, 26, has been dealing with discomfort in his foot since the conclusion of the 2024 season. While he participated in limited offseason activities, the Giants medical staff ultimately opted to take a conservative approach heading into training camp.

“Andrew’s dealing with something we want to be smart about,” Schoen said during a press conference. “There’s no need to rush him into full action right now. All signs point to him being back in time for Week 1.”

The PUP designation means Thomas is ineligible to practice with the team but can be activated at any point before the regular season. If he remains on the list past final roster cuts, he would be required to miss at least the first four games of the season. However, based on Schoen’s comments, the Giants fully expect Thomas to return well before that deadline.

Thomas has become one of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles since being drafted fourth overall by the Giants in 2020. A cornerstone of the team’s offensive line, he has consistently protected the blind side of quarterback Daniel Jones and served as a leader both on and off the field. His absence, even temporarily, would be significant for a Giants offense hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

With Thomas sidelined for the start of camp, the Giants are expected to shift second-year tackle Joshua Ezeudu into the first-team reps on the left side. Veteran Matt Nelson and rookie lineman Xavier Winston may also see increased snaps during early practices.

The team is also dealing with several other offensive line concerns, including depth at guard and center, which makes Thomas’ eventual return all the more critical.

“Obviously, we’d love to have Andrew out there,” said head coach Brian Daboll. “But our focus is getting him 100%. He’s in great shape, he’s staying involved mentally, and when the time’s right, he’ll be back.”

Fans reacted with a mixture of relief and caution. Many were reassured by Schoen’s timeline but wary of any injury involving a key player, especially given the Giants’ recent history of offensive line struggles.

The Giants open their 2025 regular season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 7. With the division expected to be highly competitive, having Thomas healthy and protecting Jones’ blind side will be essential if the team hopes to contend for a playoff spot.

For now, the Giants are proceeding carefully, banking on Thomas’ experience, professionalism, and recovery timeline aligning just in time for the season opener.