Brian Daboll joked that he took a photo to commemorate the event.
The Giants' projected starting offensive line finally practiced together as a team on Tuesday for the first time since training camp began due to various injuries.
“[Daboll] “We did it in the walk-through today, it was kind of fun,” starting left tackle Andrew Thomas said. “It's good to have everybody back. We need these practices. I think we have seven or eight practices before the first game, so we need to get as much practice as we can.”
The Giants' line allowed 85 sacks last season, the most in the NFL since 1986. The team signed veteran left guard Jon Runyan and right tackle Jermaine El-Emno as free agents, then added right guard Greg Van Roten early in training camp to complement Thomas and second-year center John-Michael Schmitz.
Thomas, who missed seven games last season after being named second-team All-Pro in 2022, believes there's plenty of time for the team to come together before the season opener against the Vikings on Sept. 8.
“I think so. We have a good group of guys, a lot of veterans, so I think that's going to help us,” Thomas said. “John-Michael is in his second year with the team, so I think he'll do a good job.”
Asked if he noticed the line hadn't practiced together before, Thomas replied, “I've noticed it. It's the nature of the job, guys get injured and you need guys who can run the team. … We've got some veteran guys who've played a lot in this league, so I think we'll have a good group up front.”
Former first-round draft pick Evan Neal, who missed most of camp with an injury, will play as a reserve this season.
Thomas and Daniel Jones were named captains of the offensive team, while Dexter Lawrence and Bobby Okereke represented the defense and long snapper Casey Kreiter represented special teams.
The Giants have named 10 captains for the start of the 2023 season.
“Every year is different. Every team is new. I think our five captains are the best fit for our team this year,” Okereke said. “They're great guys with different leadership styles, different experiences and wisdom. I think we'll do a great job.”
Returner Gunner Olszewski and linebackers Micah McFadden, Matthew Adams and Diontae Johnson worked out on the sidelines with trainers.
