The hits just keep on coming for the New York Giants.
Jordan Ranaan reported center John-Michael Schmitz had his foot in a walking boot during the team’s practice Wednesday ahead of their Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears.
The Giants (2-7) have lost three straight games, and their struggling defense has given up 30-plus points in each of their defeats, which includes their 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Schmitz missed New York’s 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 7 but left after playing 30 snaps in the Giants’ loss to the Niners with a shin injury. Austin Schlottman filled in for Schmitz against San Francisco.
John-Michael Schmitz Is Another Huge Blow To The Giants Offense
New York has already lost star-caliber skill-position players Malik Nabers (knee) and Cam Skattebo (ankle) for the season with freak injuries.
Yet, Schmitz has been a mainstay on the Giants offensive line. The center is in his third season and has started 36 games — including eight this year.
Schmitz boasts a 64.8 run-blocking grade per Pro-Football Focus, the 18th-best mark in the NFL among 35 qualifying centers. He also has a 62.5 overall grade, which is ranked 20th — not great, but superior to New York’s 22nd-ranked scoring offense (21.9).
The Giants offense has made major strides this season, even despite the injuries to two of their most important players. Having continuity on the offensive line has made a difference, since the Giants have largely had the same starting lineup since franchise left tackle Andrew Thomas returned from a Lisfranc injury in Week 3.
A Long-Term Injury To John-Michael Schmitz Would Affect Jaxson Dart
Ranaan noted Schlottman’s admirable play filling in for Schmitz in the Giants’ loss Sunday, and having a reserve get a full week of reps as the starter would be beneficial for Schlottman — especially at a position like center.
But Schlottman has only started seven games in his seven-season NFL career for a reason. So having a backup center could have a huge impact on Dart, especially against the Bears defense, which is better than some of their stats would suggest.
Dart has put himself in harm’s way throughout his six-game NFL career by running with reckless abandon and has been sacked 19 times in six games — and was sacked four times in Schlottman’s lone start in Denver.
But the longer the Giants go without Schmitz, the worse things are likely to be. The Bears defense may have allowed 42 points to the Bengals on Sunday, but they are still only allowing about 24 points per game over their past six, going 5-1 in that span.
Chicago has also recorded 12 sacks in its past four games, and 14 in its past six, and has only has lost to the Baltimore Ravens in that span.
So even though Schmitz’s foot being in a boot is not a guarantee that he will miss the Chicago game, the most important facet of the Giants’ seemingly lost season is developing Dart so he can become their franchise QB.
Though he has shown signs, Dart can’t do that if he’s not healthy, and he is less likely to remain upright with a patchwork O-line.
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