The New York Giants have a trio of long-term injury absences who have yet to suit up for training camp and the 2025 preseason, and that group includes former first-round left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) and former fifth-round running back Eric Gray (undisclosed/pictured above).
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan provided a brief injury update on these two Giants on August 12, as well as the third player currently on the PUP list, and the prognosis wasn’t great for two of the three.
“All of the players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — RB Eric Gray, LT Andrew Thomas and OLB Victor Dimukeje — were also absent [on August 12],” Duggan informed. Adding: “Gray and Dimukeje are expected to shift to the reserve PUP list when the season starts, which would require them to miss at least the first four games.”
Oddly enough, considering neither Gray nor Dimukeje was a lock to make the Week 1 roster in the first place, their respective injury statuses could save them from being cut.
Gray has been replaced by a few running backs in recent offseasons, despite the Giants making the conscious decision to let Saquon Barkley walk. 2024 free agent signing Devin Singletary and recent draft picks Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo would all likely be above Gray on the depth chart if he were healthy, although Skattebo (hamstring) is still dealing with an injury of his own.
Dimukeje is another bubble candidate on paper, like Gray. He was originally brought in to help replace Azeez Ojulari in 2025 free agency, but became less useful after the Giants drafted Abdul Carter.
Dimukeje tore his pectoral during offseason workouts, but Big Blue decided to hold onto him despite the early injury.
Latest Injury Update on Giants LT Andrew Thomas
GettyNew York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas is still missing in action as of August 13.
After projecting the outcome of Gray and Dimukeje’s injuries based on what he’s heard at training camp, Duggan also provided an injury update on Andrew Thomas.
“Thomas’ prolonged stint on the PUP list isn’t yet a concern, but the season opener is less than four weeks away,” the NYG beat reporter warned. “The clock is ticking because the team will want to give Thomas time to ramp up for game action after an extended rehab process from a Lisfranc injury in his foot.”
Thomas is a true pro when he’s on the field, so he probably doesn’t need too much time to shake the rust off. Having said that, it’s always best to have your five offensive linemen practicing together before Week 1.
Especially when you have a new quarterback under center, calling out pre-snap protections and audibles.
It already feels like Thomas won’t have a ton of time with Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart, simply because the summer is almost over. But the more concerning thought is that he could open up the season on the four-week PUP list, too.
Jets Pass Rushers Expose Giants OL After Successful Preseason Debut
The Giants’ offensive line put together a really strong start to the preseason on August 9. However, that did not continue into joint practices with the New York Jets.
“It’s safe to say the Giants’ offense will be in trouble if it is without [Malik] Nabers and Thomas this season,” Duggan wrote on August 12. “The absence of the offense’s top two players was felt during an extremely sluggish start for the first team [at joint practices with the Jets].”
“This is how Wilson’s first four reps went,” the reporter outlined. “A sack as [fill-in left tackle James] Hudson was beat inside (and was flagged for holding); a sack as Wilson fell with right guard Greg Van Roten getting pushed into his lap; a batted pass at the line; and a sack as Jets edge rusher Will McDonald blew past right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor with an inside move.”
Duggan concluded that “the number of sacks was telling since plays are rarely blown dead in practice. But the pocket collapsed so much of the pressure was so immediate that there was no choice but to declare a sack.”
The Giants’ injury-taxed offensive line held up against the Buffalo Bills during preseason Week 1. But they’ve been more or less exposed against a formidable Jets’ defensive line on August 12 and 13.
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