The New York Giants traveled to Munich, Germany on Friday in preparation for their Week 10 international matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Giants’ offensive line has struggled mightily since the loss of Andrew Thomas at left tackle. They have cycled through multiple line combinations since then and will debut a new one on Sunday morning.
Evan Neal, who started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a foot injury, lost his starting spot to Jermaine Eluemunor. Now, though, it appears that Neal will re-enter the starting lineup this week against the Panthers.
#Giants expected to start Evan Neal @AlabamaFTBL at right tackle Sunday for @NFL international game against #Panthers in Munich, Germany, per a league source @KPRC2 #NFL #Germany
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 9, 2024
Neal has struggled to acclimate to the NFL since the Giants drafted him in 2022. But he’s doing everything that’s asked of him, according to offensive line coach Carmen Briscillo.
“I think Evan’s doing a great job of just working at the right tackle position and getting himself in the position to help the team,” Briscillo told reporters in October. “He does everything we ask. He’s been doing extra, which we enjoy. He seems to be in a good spot. I’m pleased with where he’s at.
“I think his natural position is tackle, and I think that’s what we’re emphasizing. . . Why not just see what he can be at right tackle, which I think he feels comfortable at, as do I.”
Neal’s return to the starting lineup means Eluemunor will move to left tackle in place of Chris Hubbard, who missed practice this week with an illness.
Hubbard did travel with the team and does not have an injury designation, which indicates this is strickly about personnel and performance.