Veteran offensive lineman Evan Neal may be on track to make the New York Giants' 53-man roster after all. Neal, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, could secure one of the backup offensive line positions if the team decides to carry 10 linemen.
After struggling at right tackle and not playing a snap last season, Neal has reportedly shown marked improvement. First-year offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren noted Neal's enhanced ability to process coaching and understand offensive schemes. "I think he is seeing more in his stance, and he’s playing with more confidence," Bloomgren stated. "Listening to other people in the building, they feel like he’s taken some good steps. We’ll see what he’s able to do in these [preseason] games."
Currently, the leading backups behind the five starters appear to be tackles J.C. Davis and Marcus Mbow, guard Daniel Faalele, and center Lucas Patrick. Neal is listed as a co-second-teamer at right guard alongside Aaron Stinnie, with Joshua Ezeudu or Bryan Hudson also in contention for backup roles.
Neal surprisingly re-signed with the Giants for no guaranteed money as a free agent, opting to remain with the team rather than seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
In other team news, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and center John Michael Schmitz did not practice, and Hyatt has been ruled out for an upcoming game. Cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Dru Phillips, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Patrick are limited participants due to knee injuries. Cornerback Paulson Adebo is a game-time decision with a hamstring issue. To address cornerback depth concerns, the Giants signed Sam Webb and Ugochukwu Amadi while releasing David Long and D.J. James.