nypost
In a surprising turn of events, New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas found himself sidelined in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 34-27 defeat to the New Orleans Saints, even after passing the NFL's concussion evaluation. The bizarre sequence began when an independent spotter ordered Thomas to undergo testing on the sideline, and although he cleared the protocol, he never returned to the field.
Thomas, widely regarded as one of the premier left tackles in the league, was visibly frustrated by the decision. "That was interesting," he remarked, noting that he has been playing through a groin injury despite limited practice reps. "The series before, I got up a little slow. When I went out there the next drive, they said I had to do the concussion protocol testing."
Despite Thomas's eagerness to rejoin the fray, the Giants, who were mounting a furious comeback from a 24-point fourth-quarter deficit, turned to rookie J.C. Davis, who was making his NFL debut. Thomas received no explanation for the benching. "That was the coach's decision," he said. "I listen to what the coach says."
Key Analysis
The Giants' injury woes extended beyond Thomas. Cornerback Greg Newsome II suffered a concussion and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was sidelined with a neck injury, leaving the team with only three healthy receivers. Right guard Sisi Mauigoa required a postgame X-ray on an unspecified body part but expressed optimism, saying, "I'm feeling good," and indicated he would be back on the field soon. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was a surprise scratch after being limited in Friday's practice, and Marcus Mbow started in his place.
In the secondary, Jason Pinnock and ArDarius Washington rotated at safety alongside Jevon Holland, as Tyler Nubin was out with a neck injury. Pinnock provided a spark by forcing a fumble that shifted momentum when the Giants trailed 34-10 with about 9:40 remaining in the fourth quarter. "It's in us to come back," Pinnock said. "We're more than capable."
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his NFL debut in relief of Jameis Winston, who threw his second interception with about 11:31 left in the game. McCarthy finished 11-of-21 for 243 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His 243 fourth-quarter passing yards were the most by a Giants quarterback since Eli Manning threw for 254 in a 36-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on October 9, 2011.
Originally reported by nypost.