Thomas ready for bigger Giants workload as Dart era begins

New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas is cleared for a bigger workload as the team prepares for the start of the Jaxson Dart era, with the rookie quarterback set to start Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Thomas, who returned last week against the Chiefs after Lisfranc surgery last October, played roughly a quarter of the snaps in his first return and was not listed on Friday’s injury report as his foot continues to improve.

Thomas said his foot is getting better and that he expects to play more on Sunday. "We’ll see how it goes," he said of how much he’ll be used this week. "I look forward to playing more and being more effective out there."

Daboll said there will be more reps than last week: “Definitely more reps than he played [last week],” the coach said, noting Thomas is in a good spot and has improved each week. The Giants are counting on better communication up front as they try to maximize Dart’s presence in the pocket and in open space.

Like others, Thomas pointed to the added mobility of Dart as a factor but stressed the line’s job remains protecting the quarterback. "I think all our quarterbacks are mobile," Thomas said of Dart, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. "It breaks into a scramble and you just adjust."

Malik Nabers did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury and was limited Thursday and Friday; he was not listed on Friday’s injury report. The receiver had a career-low two catches for 13 yards against the Chiefs, and he’ll be a key piece if he can complement the offense again this week. Theo Johnson (toe) is also good to go for Sunday.

Graham Gano is out for Sunday after suffering a groin injury Sunday. DT Chauncey Golston (ankle) and RB Tyrone Tracy (shoulder) are also out, while DT Rakeem Núñez-Roches (foot) is doubtful. Abdul Carter made his first start Sunday in the loss to Kansas City and had four tackles, including one for a loss, but is still waiting for a breakout performance. He’s continued to impress the Giants with his versatility, rushing from both the inside and outside. Bowen said, "He’s evolved," and added there is a balance between rushing from the outside and inside.

Daboll also addressed how the team approached practicing outside under forecasted conditions. He said he was “absolutely not” displeased with the medical staff or anyone else involved, noting there is a group of people—groundskeeping, equipment, trainer and director of player performance—who collaborate to determine the best course of action when the weather or field presents concerns. "I talk to those guys pretty much on a daily basis when there’s, I’d say, concerns with the fields—if there’s concerns with the fields," Daboll said.

With the Chargers looming, the Giants hope the combination of Thomas’s growing health and the offense around the dynamic Dart can yield more consistency, especially as they try to capitalize on the rookie quarterback’s mobility to open up running lanes and protect him in the passing game. The decisions Sunday at MetLife will also hinge on a broader group’s ability to adapt to Dart’s skill set while managing injuries that have reshaped the depth chart at several positions.