The New York Giants suffered a scare on Saturday night when two of their scheduled starters on the offensive line left the game with ankle injuries.
Center John Michael Schmitz and right tackle Evan Neal played in the Giants’ final preseason game against the Jets because head coach Brian Daboll wanted them to make up for the work they had missed this summer.
Schmitz missed some time with shoulder problems and Neal was slowly ramped back up after ankle surgery during the offseason.
Neither player seemed concerned about their injuries. Neal left the game after 21 plays, which was about the number of plays the coaches had planned.
“First of all, I wasn’t out of action with an ankle injury,” Neal clarified after the game. “I was only supposed to play 20 to 25 reps and I came out on the 21st play I was on. It just happened that I got run over on the last play… but I got up, I was fine.”
“I went around a few times and I got the feeling the doctor wanted to look at it just to make sure everything was OK. I probably won’t have a scan tomorrow, but as far as how I feel, I’m fine, so I don’t think there’s anything going on.”
Schmitz also played down his injury. He attributed it to the dangers of his job and expects to be fit again for the season opener in two weeks.
John Michael Schmitz says of his status for Week 1: “No, I’m not worried.” He insists his ankle is fine. He twisted it. #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/uRPBKV1eNH
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) 25 August 2024
Daboll said Schmitz and Neal would have an MRI done just to be safe, but that remains to be seen.
The Giants have some solutions at right tackle and center if one or both are unavailable for the season opener on September 8.
Jermaine Eluemunor has filled in for Neal at right tackle this summer, while veterans Austin Schlottmann and Greg Van Roten have played center.
