New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas continues to play through a groin injury that has left him laboring at times, including stretches against the Washington Commanders when he was visibly limping. Head coach John Harbaugh said Thomas is still performing at a high level.
“I think he’s doing a really good job of just playing through whatever he’s got,” Harbaugh said on his Monday Zoom call. “He’s so tough. Got the Purple Heart last week. He’s playing at a high level. It may be laboring for him, but still the result is better than almost every player in the league at that position.”
Harbaugh described the Purple Heart as an internal team award for players who work through or return from injuries. Wide receiver Malik Nabers received it in Week
1 after coming back from a knee issue and playing well. Harbaugh called Thomas “tough as nails” and said the staff will monitor him day to day and week to week while hoping he feels stronger as the season continues.
Left guard Jon Runyan Jr., who lines up next to Thomas, said the veteran tackle is doing everything possible to stay on the field. Runyan does not see him much outside of offensive line meetings because Thomas spends significant time in the training room and weight room.
“He’s been doing enough to keep himself out on the field,” Runyan said. “Just having him and going to my third year, playing next to him makes my job a lot easier. Really appreciate him for that.”
Runyan described Thomas as a warrior who will not show discomfort on his face. He keeps working, stays quiet, and continues to play.
“He’s definitely the lead-by-example guy of our entire, I could say entire offense, but definitely the offensive line,” Runyan said. “And he’s definitely the glue that holds us all together, having such a good, dominant player that he is for a very long time.”
Thomas’s approach has given the Giants a reliable presence at left tackle as they navigate injuries elsewhere on the roster. The combination of his on-field production and the respect he earns from teammates has kept the offensive line functional while he manages the groin issue.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Andrew Thomas still playing at high level despite laboring
