MUNICH — The Giants had to travel abroad until Evan Neal returned to the field as a starter.
Neal is expected to make his first start of the season at right tackle Sunday against the Panthers at Allianz Arena.
That means Jermaine Elemunor will move from the right tackle spot and start at left tackle.
Chris Hubbard, who started at left tackle in the past two games, was limited to practice last week due to illness, but is on the road for this international game.
Neal, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has been on the back burner this season.
He was basically stuck on the bench, limited to snaps here or there as an extra blocker.
After an unproductive 2023 season, he required ankle surgery.
Although the Giants insist he is healthy this season, he had convinced the coaching staff that he should not play.
This move for Neil has been in the works for several weeks.
The offensive line was thrown into disarray when left tackle Andrew Thomas suffered a season-ending foot injury that required surgery in Week 6 against the Bengals.
Backup Josh Ezeudu was first called up as a starter against the Eagles.
Hubbard, a veteran, was released from the 49ers' practice squad and has started the past two games with limited success. Hubbard is healthy and ready to play, but is expected to sit on the bench as Neal gets his shot.
Elemnor has started at left tackle in NFL games, but recently said he wants to stay on the right side. In this game we will consider whether that is not the case.
