The Giants May Welcome Evan Neal Back
It looks like there might be a spot for Evan Neal after all.
If the roster includes ten offensive linemen, the 6-foot-7, 340-pound Neal could snag one of the five backup roles since he’s currently positioned as co-second team alongside right guard Aaron Stinney.
Beyond the starting five, the primary backups comprise tackles J.C. Davis and Marcus Mbou, guard Daniel Faalele, center Lucas Patrick, and, well, possibly Neal, Stinney, Joshua Ezeudu, or Brian Hudson.
First-year offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren noted, “We’ve witnessed considerable growth in Evan regarding his ability to accept coaching and grasp not just the theoretical aspects but also the implications of various alignments for him.” He continued, “I think he has a better understanding of his stance now and is playing with more confidence. The guys in the facility feel he’s made significant progress. We’ll see how he performs in this upcoming game.”
Neal was selected as the No. 7 pick in the 2022 draft, yet he didn’t see any action last season after struggling at right tackle and subsequently shifting to right guard.
Instead of seeking a fresh start, he remarkably re-signed with the Giants as a free agent without any financial compensation.
Meanwhile, cornerback Terrion Arnold, who recently visited the Giants’ facility, has signed with the Seahawks despite facing serious legal troubles related to kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
The Giants had shown interest in signing Arnold, released by the Lions post-arrest, though talks never really gained traction. It seems the 2024 first-round pick preferred to join the Super Bowl champions, likely due to geographical ties and a clearer path to game action.
Head coach John Harbaugh hasn’t confirmed if the starting lineup will be playing Saturday against the Vikings. However, he appears keen on helping QB Jackson Dart succeed. “We have a young quarterback in just his second year, and he didn’t get to play the entire last season,” Harbaugh remarked. “He’s just beginning his journey, and with two of the top teams in the conference coming up, we need to be prepared.”
In the recent practice, WR Jarrin Hiatt (leg) and center John Michael Schmitz (concussion) were notably absent, with Coach Harbaugh ruling Hiatt out for the game. Additionally, cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Drew Phillips along with wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Patrick each faced knee injuries that limited their attendance. CB Paulson Adebo (hamstring) appeared engaged on the sidelines, but it seems he’s also a “game-time decision.”
Amid a wave of cornerback injuries, the Giants sought healthy bodies and decided to release DB David Long and DB DJ James (waived/injured) right before Thursday’s practice while bringing in Sam Webb and Ugochukwu Amadi.
In a light-hearted moment for alternative jerseys, Harbaugh joked about wide receiver Malik Nabors wearing red during practice, suggesting it was a playful attempt for a future red jersey, though he stressed that wasn’t the intention. The coaching staff has started to sport more dark/navy blue and red attire, but Harbaugh made it clear that this isn’t part of any specific agenda he’s pushing.
