For the first time in several years, the status of the offensive line isn’t the biggest cause for concern for the New York Giants heading into the season. While they’re no longer the usual weak link of the team, there’s still a reason or two to have some concerns surrounding the unit.
The G-Men used their fifth-round pick to select an offensive lineman, Marcus Mbow. It remains to be seen where he will factor in during his rookie season—aside from possibly contributing to special teams blocking units—which leaves many wondering if he’ll be needed to start or even play, especially in key situations.
The entire Giants starting offensive line from Weeks 1–6 is back: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, and Jermaine Eluemunor. James Hudson, a free agent signing, is expected to step in at left tackle if Thomas isn’t able to play. Thomas suffered a season-ending foot injury that required surgery and did not take part in camp drills during the spring.
Andrew Thomas' injury uncertainty could fast-track Marcus Mbow’s role
Here’s the million-dollar question: What if Thomas suffers another significant injury in 2025? After all, he’s missed 18 games over the last two seasons, which is a major concern considering the Giants gave him a five-year, $117.5 million extension back in July of 2023. Big Blue needs Thomas — and really, the entire offense — to stay healthy to succeed. Would the Giants dare turn to Mbow to play left tackle in his rookie season?
Apparently, it’s something that’s on the table coming out of minicamp.
Giants rookie Marcus Mbow getting extended run second half of this practice at left tackle. Has been primarily at right tackle. Got reps with 1st, 2nd and 3rd team at LT in the team drills that are ongoing
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 17, 2025
Last season, following Thomas’ injury, it was a mess at left tackle until Jermaine Eluemunor moved over and stabilized the position. That shift pushed Evan Neal back to right tackle. Now, with Neal working at guard, Mbow is needed as insurance in case similar scenarios unfold again.
In a perfect world, Thomas stays healthy like he did before the 2023 season, and the Giants don’t need anyone else to play left tackle — whether it’s Hudson or Mbow. But because Thomas has missed time over the last two seasons and underwent major surgery last year, having a backup plan at left tackle heading into the 2025 season is the smart move.
The Giants will have Thomas on the roster for at least another two to three seasons due to the dead cap hit tied to his contract. But having Mbow learn both tackle positions—especially getting work at left tackle—increases his value on the offensive line and improves his chances of seeing playing time if injuries force him into action.
Mbow initially started working at right tackle, and with Eluemunor’s future in question—since he’s only signed through the 2025 season — some might wonder if Mbow is the Giants’ future right tackle, much like Neal was once expected to be when he was selected in the first round back in 2022. Clearly, that’s no longer the case, as Neal is now vying for a possible starting guard spot and Eluemunor, for now, holds the right tackle job.
At some point, Mbow will have to factor into the starting equation—but it’s a matter of where. If anything, having him work at multiple positions now could be a good thing, as it gives the Giants future options to consider once Mbow settles into a potential spot on the line. Whether that’s at left tackle remains to be seen.
