Evan Neal’s Rehabilitation Progress
New York Giants right tackle Evan Neal’s participation in training has further lessened on the first day of mandatory minicamp. This action is due to Neal’s compliance with advice from the surgeon who treated his left foot fracture last year.
Unlike his team members, Neal didn’t engage heavily in practice on Tuesday. Instead, after some solitary workout sessions in the weight room, he watched his team train from the sidelines before returning indoor. His detachment from team activities brings more drama compared to last week’s open practice when he engaged only in lone workouts and cycling exercises.
Given his current physical restrictions, Head Coach Brian Daboll has assured everyone that Neal will feature in the training camp. In pursuit of a healthy team for the training camp, the management is taking caution with certain players. Neal’s slow health improvement continues to be a crucial part of the Giants’ development plan for the offensive line.
Starting Spot For Neal
The Giants, led by GM Joe Schoen, selected Neal as the seventh overall pick in 2022. Despite consulting a surgeon for a sprained ankle, he was abruptly pulled off from play last year due to an updated diagnosis of a foot fracture. The entire situation culminated in Neal’s surgery, which slowed the start of his third NFL season.
For now, if Neal’s spot gets threatened, free agent Jermaine Eluemunor is hypothesized to switch to right tackle position. If that happens, Aaron Stinnie, another free agent, won’t hesitate to step into a left guard position. Addition of Matt Nelson from Detroit Lion in free agency adds depth to Giants’ options at tackle.
Receiver Update
On a slightly different note, Giants’ wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson put up a strong practice show recently. However, some receivers didn’t share in the same success. Darius Slayton, Bryce Ford-Wheaton and Chase Cota all left practice due to apparent injuries. The extent of their conditions remains unknown.
Changes Within The Team
Quarterback Daniel Jones made a surprising move by shaving off his long-standing beard. While joining Jones’ humor on the issue, there was Daboll’s affirmation of his full participation when training camp begins. Jones also plans to organize a workout with his teammates away from Giants’ facility before the training camp.
Off-field Developments
Tight end Daniel Bellinger has apparently been sidestepped for team reps to ensure growth opportunities for rookie Theo Johnson and fellow tight-end Lawrence Cager. However, there seems to be a mystery unfolding on why Bellinger missed one of the open OTA practices earlier this spring.
Tryouts and Workouts
The Giants recently hosted four tryout players – Tre Herndon III, Noah Togiai, Geor’quarius Spivey, and Kellen Diesch – while Jacob Saylors underwent workouts. Diesch presents an intriguing option given the Giants current need for a starter in the secondary outside corner.
Practice Observations
Rookie corner Dru Phillips made a remarkable interception at practice. Neal alongside returner Gunner Olszewski, tight end Jack Stoll and corners Tre Hawkins III and Aaron Robinson were not observed engaging in practice. Several players were noted to have practiced minorly or just stayed at the side during practice. Load management might be the reason behind minimal involvement of left tackle Andrew Thomas with pass rushers Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns in practice.
It’s evident the Giants are taking cautious steps with their players, especially with Evan Neal, while preparing for the upcoming training camp. The anticipation for more progress heralds an interesting season for the fans.