Andrew Thomas, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best left tackles, was pulled from Sunday’s game against the Saints for a concussion evaluation ordered by an independent spotter — and then was kept out of the fourth quarter even after clearing the protocol, a decision he says went unexplained.
The Giants lost, 34-27, after trailing by as much as 24 points in the fourth quarter. Rookie J.C. Davis played his first career game at left tackle in Thomas’ place while Thomas, who has been managing an injured groin and limited practice reps, stood by.
“That was interesting,” Thomas said. “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.”
Thomas appeared eager to return but was held out as the Giants mounted their comeback attempt. He said he never got a reason for the move.
“That was the coach’s decision. I listen to what the coach says.”
More injuries pile up
Thomas wasn’t the only Giant dealing with injury trouble Sunday. Cornerback Greg Newsome II suffered a concussion and did not return to the game. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was sidelined with a neck issue, leaving the Giants with just three healthy receivers available.
Right guard Sisi Mauigoa underwent a postgame X-ray on an unspecified part of his body but said afterward, “I’m feeling good,” suggesting he expects to play again soon.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was a surprise scratch after being limited in Friday’s practice with a calf injury; Marcus Mbow started in his place. At safety, Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington rotated alongside Jevón Holland with Tyler Nubin out because of a neck injury.
A furious comeback bid falls short
Pinnock forced 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. We’re more than capable.”
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered the game with roughly 11:31 left after Jameis Winston threw his second interception of the day. McCarthy finished 11-for-21 passing for 243 yards and a touchdown, with an interception of his own, while adding 26 rushing yards.
His 243 fourth-quarter passing yards were the most by a Giants quarterback in a single quarter since Eli Manning threw for 254 in a loss to the Seahawks on Oct. 9, 2011 — but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
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