First, Andrew Thomas was unexpectedly removed from the field by the officials.
Then, the Giants coaches caught him off guard by keeping him benched.
Despite being cleared from a concussion evaluation during Sunday’s game against the Saints—a match that ended in a 34-27 defeat—Thomas, regarded as one of the top left tackles in the NFL, did not return for the fourth quarter.
“That was interesting,” Thomas remarked, noting he was currently managing a groin injury, which limited his practice. “I got up slowly the series before. When I went out for the next drive, they said I had to go through the concussion protocol.”
He seemed eager to get back in, particularly as the Giants were making a comeback from a 24-point deficit, but instead, they were facing the situation with rookie J.C. Davis making his debut.
Thomas didn’t receive any clarification for the decision to keep him out.
“That was the coach’s call,” he said. “I follow what the coach decides.”
In addition to Thomas’s situation, the Giants faced other injury challenges on Sunday. Cornerback Greg Newsome II suffered a concussion and was unable to return to play.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was also sidelined due to a neck issue, which left the team with just three healthy receivers.
Right guard Sisi Mauigoa required a postgame X-ray for an unspecified injury.
“I’m feeling good,” Mauigoa commented, suggesting he would be back on the field soon.
Surprisingly, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was a late scratch after having a limited practice on Friday, so Marcus Mbow filled in for him.
Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington split duties at safety alongside Jevón Holland while Tyler Nubin was out with a neck problem.
Pinnock pivotal forced a fumble that shifted the momentum while the Giants were trailing 34-10 in the fourth quarter. “It’s in us to come back,” he stated. “We’re more than capable.”
Interestingly, J.J. McCarthy had 243 passing yards in the fourth quarter, marking the second-highest for a Giants quarterback since Eli Manning threw for 254 yards against the Seahawks in a loss back on October 9, 2011.
McCarthy took the field with about 11:31 remaining after Jameis Winston threw his second interception. He completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, rushed for 26 yards, and threw one touchdown but also recorded an interception.
