Evan Neal’s Back Issues Highlight Draft Missteps for Giants
A day after resuming practice following a 21-day recovery period, New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal is once again sidelined. The 2022 seventh overall pick is now grappling with soreness in his back, stemming from his first practice in over a month. Unfortunately, this latest setback further cements Neal’s status as one of the most significant draft disappointments in the Joe Schoen era.
Injury Struggles and Position Changes
Neal entered the league with high expectations, slated to secure the starting right tackle position. However, injuries have plagued his early career, complicating his fit within the Giants’ offensive scheme. This past summer, the former Alabama standout attempted a transition to right guard, a role he excelled in during his college days. Yet, the move proved unsuccessful as he failed to unseat incumbent Greg Van Roten for the starting position.
The inability to carve out a role has led to frequent appearances on the Giants’ inactive list. Even when healthy enough to play, Neal found himself relegated to the sidelines, and he was ultimately placed on injured reserve last month due to a hamstring injury. With just three weeks remaining in a challenging season, expectations for his return have dwindled. Neal’s latest back issue all but confirms that he will not see the field again this season, effectively closing the door on any possibility of contributing to the team.
Other Injury Concerns for the Giants
Neal is not the only player dealing with health concerns as the Giants prepare for the remainder of the season. On Thursday, defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches was sidelined due to an ankle injury, while linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles missed practice due to illness. Safety Tyler Nubin was also absent for personal reasons.
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who had been seen working on the sidelines with a trainer, remains a question mark for the team’s upcoming game. His shoulder injury has put him on track to potentially miss a fifth consecutive game, adding to the Giants’ growing list of injury woes.
Practice Participation Report
The Giants’ practice report reflects the ongoing challenges with their roster:
Did Not Participate
– WR Beaux Collins (concussion/neck)
– LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness)
– DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (ankle)
– OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder)
– S Tyler Nubin (NIR – personal)
– OL Evan Neal (hamstring)
Limited Participation
– P Jamie Gillan (left knee)
– CB Rico Payton (back)
– CB Dru Phillips (heel)
Full Participation
– OL Joshua Ezeudu (calf)
– WR Gunner Olszewski (concussion)
– CB Art Green (illness/hamstring)
Vikings Practice Participation Report
The Giants are not alone in their injury struggles; the Minnesota Vikings are also managing their own issues:
Did Not Participate
– T Christian Darrisaw (knee)
– DL Javon Hargrave (thigh)
Limited Participation
– LB Austin Keys (ankle)
– WR Jalen Nailor (back)
– C Ryan Kelly (knee)
Upgraded
– T Brian O’Neill (heel)
– Full Participation: RB Ty Chandler (knee), TE Gavin Bartholomew (back)
As the Giants navigate the remainder of this season, the impact of Evan Neal’s struggles—both in terms of his health and performance—will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. The team’s future direction may hinge on how they address the challenges stemming from this draft class.
