While nothing is confirmed yet, it was speculated that second team All-Pro left tackle, Andrew Thomas was closing in on his season debut, possibly on Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Giants’ coach Brian Daboll spoke to the media earlier today, and when asked about Thomas’ status, he seemed highly encouraged.

The return of Thomas is greatly needed after a disastrous showing in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys from backup left tackle James Hudson.

Hudson committed four penalties in the opening drive against Dallas, which ended up causing Daboll to bench him. In his place, rookie lineman Marcus Mbow stepped in and the 2025 fifth rounder played admirably.

According to PFF, Mbow registered a 51.0 pass block grade, and a 63.2 grade while blocking for the run. As a whole, Mbow was given a 59.3 grade, which was second behind right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. 

So what exactly happens with Mbow now that Thomas is on the verge of returning? 

Giants fans seem like they want the coaching staff to find a spot for him, but it’s unlikely that they boot one of Eluemunor, Jon Runyan, John-Michael Schmitz or Greg Van Roten.

Regardless, even if Thomas comes back, him staying on the field is a major question. 

Over the past two seasons, Thomas has missed 18 games out of a possible 34 which is a major alarm for a team that’s paying him $117 million over the next five seasons to play one of football’s most important positions.

Which is why the emergence of Mbow is so important for the G-Men.

In the unfortunate event that Thomas goes down again, the Giants now have a decent understanding of who’s behind him.

Hudson can’t be trusted anymore, no matter how much money he’s being paid, and Mbow brings a unique dynamic to the offensive line.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical, but with Thomas’s injury history, it’s hard not to develop a Plan B.

When he eventually does return, how will he look in his first sign of action since October of 2024? 

Perhaps he returns back to the second-team All-Pro form that we’re accustomed to seeing. He has the pedigree and he has the skill. Now it’s about showing the Giants that he still has it.