Andrew Thomas: From Top Dog to Battling Injuries — Can the Giants' Star Tackle Reclaim His Throne in 2025?
Once upon a time—well, not too long ago—Andrew Thomas was the guy at left tackle. The New York Giants' former first-round pick out of Georgia had the NFL buzzing in 2022. He wasn’t just good; he was elite. That season, he exploded into stardom, finishing as one of the league’s best at his position. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed either—he earned a second-team All-Pro nod, and let’s be real, that’s no small feat.
Naturally, the Giants didn’t waste any time locking down their blindside protector. That same year, they handed Thomas a whopping five-year, $117.5 million contract extension. That kind of money tells you everything you need to know about how much faith the team had in him. It wasn’t just about performance; it was a clear message: You're the anchor of this line. We’re all in on you.
But as any NFL fan knows, football can be cruel. Just when things seemed to be falling perfectly into place, the injury bug came knocking. And it didn't just knock—it kicked the door down.
Back-to-Back Injury Setbacks
In 2023, things took a sharp turn. Thomas was sidelined for the entire first half of the season with a nagging hamstring injury. Just as he was working his way back and fans were starting to get hopeful again, disaster struck in the form of a Lisfranc injury—a notoriously tricky and painful foot issue that wiped out the rest of his season after just six games.
That’s two straight years of frustration, not only for Thomas but for the Giants organization and fans who had seen glimpses of greatness in 2022.
Let’s break it down:
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2022: Dominant season. Ranked 3rd among all OTs with a 90.3 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade.
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2023: Hamstring injury followed by a season-ending Lisfranc injury.
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Fewer than 1,000 combined snaps over the last two years.
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By contrast, 32 offensive tackles logged over 1,000 snaps in 2024 alone.
That stat right there tells you the whole story. You can't be elite if you're not on the field.
Latest Ranking & Recovery Updates
Heading into the 2025 season, Pro Football Focus ranked Andrew Thomas at No. 15 among the top 32 offensive tackles in the league. Now, don’t get it twisted—that’s still a respectable spot. But when you consider where he stood just a couple of seasons ago, it’s clear that injuries have taken a toll on his standing.
Without a doubt, if Thomas were healthy, he'd probably be back in that top 5 conversation again. But NFL evaluators can only work with what they see on the field, and lately, that’s been limited.
The good news? Thomas seems to be making solid progress. Giants GM Joe Schoen gave a glowing update back in February.
"He looks phenomenal," Schoen said. "No boot on the foot or anything. He’s moving well. He looks humongous right now. He’s been in [the weight room].”
That’s definitely the kind of energy you want to hear when your franchise left tackle is coming off a major injury.
The Team’s Insurance Policy
While the Giants are cautiously optimistic about Thomas returning to full strength, they’ve also taken a "just-in-case" approach this offseason. Veteran tackles James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe were brought in to bolster the depth chart. The front office also snagged rookie Marcus Mbow, who has the flexibility to line up at tackle if needed.
This makes sense. Protecting your quarterback—especially if you’re rolling with a young signal-caller or someone coming off their own set of challenges—is a top priority. Having depth at offensive tackle is like having extra batteries during a blackout: you may not need them, but you'll be grateful they're there when things go south.
What’s Next for Thomas?
According to head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants are easing Thomas back into the mix this offseason. They're playing it smart, not rushing him, and giving his body the time it needs to fully recover. That’s crucial when you’re talking about a player with All-Pro potential who has already had two straight seasons derailed by injury.
Here’s the thing: Andrew Thomas is still just 26 years old. That’s relatively young for a lineman, and if he can shake off the bad luck and get back into form, the Giants might get a heck of a return on their investment.
Why Fans Should Still Believe
Let’s not forget just how dominant Thomas was in 2022. He wasn’t just good in pass protection—he was a wall. Quarterbacks felt safe, running backs found lanes, and offensive rhythm was easier to build. And when you’ve done it once, there’s always a chance you can do it again.
Here’s why there's still plenty of hope:
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He’s shown elite-level ability when healthy.
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The organization has remained supportive and invested in his rehab.
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He’s reportedly in great physical shape heading into summer training.
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The Giants have fortified the line around him to take pressure off his return.
Final Thoughts: The Comeback Watch is On
Make no mistake, the 2025 NFL season could be a redemption year for Andrew Thomas. All eyes will be on him, not just because of his contract or past accolades, but because fans love a good comeback story. And this one’s got all the ingredients.
If Thomas can stay on the field—and that's the million-dollar "if"—he could easily reclaim his spot among the NFL’s elite left tackles. But if health issues linger, the Giants’ gamble might start to look riskier than expected.
Either way, buckle up. Because Andrew Thomas’ 2025 season might just be one of the more quietly compelling storylines to watch in the NFL trenches.
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