PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 12: Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants is carted off the field as teammates J.D. Walton #55 and Johnathan Hankins #95 console him after attempting a catch in the end zone during the third quarter of a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 12, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The eagles defeated the Giants 27-0. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
The New York Giants will play without regular right offensive tackle Evan Neal on Monday night, the NFL franchise announced on Saturday.
Due to ankle problems, the former Alabama All-American has not practiced with the team since Nov. 3 and will miss his fourth game in a row and sixth in the Giants’ last seven games
“That’s not something I can control necessarily,” Neal said this week, “so I don’t want to harp on it too much.” But in life, unexpected things happen, so I’m simply rolling with the punches and controlling everything I can control so that when the opportunity to return to the field presents itself, I’ll be ready.”
Neal, the sixth choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, started his second season with high hopes after starting 13 games as a rookie for the Giants, who finished 9-7-1 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
However, 2023 has turned out to be a lost season for New York, with injuries playing a role in the Giants’ 4-8 record. New York has ten injured players on the team, including quarterback Daniel Jones and tight end Darren Waller.
However, New York has not placed Neal on injured reserve, intending to get him back on the offensive line this season.
“He’s rehabbing,” stated Giants coach Brian Daboll. “He’s in here often with the trainers, doing everything he can do to get back as soon as he can.”
New York general manager Joe Schoen wants to see more from Neal when he returns.
“Evan got off to a really good camp,” Schoen stated at a press conference on Nov. 27. “Had a concussion, missed a few weeks, returned, and needs to play better.” Evan needs to improve his game. He is aware of this. I’m looking forward to having him back when he’s healthy, but I think he’d concede there are certain things he can do.
When asked if he could become as dominating in the NFL as he was at Alabama, Neal replied, “Of course I can.”
“I’ve put a lot of dominant reps on tape,” Neal was quoted as saying. “They frequently go overlooked. Frequently, the reps with which I struggle are highlighted. But if you actually watch the tape, you’ll notice that I do a lot of positive things. On the football field, I do a lot of dominant things that often go undetected, but that’s the essence of being an offensive lineman. Generally, you are not noticed until you make a mistake. You understand what I mean? So there you have it.
“I must continue to improve.” I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I approach it with a grin, so that’s where I’m at.”
The Giants have five games left in the regular season, beginning on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have the best record in the NFL, are the opponents in two of New York’s final three games, so it’s fair if the Giants started thinking about 2024.
But Neal hopes to return in 2023.
“Whenever that day comes, that’s when it comes,” Neal remarked. “Hell, yeah, I want to go out there again this season.” But I’m just going to see where I’m at, how I improve, and then proceed from there.”
Monday’s game between the Giants and the Packers kicks off at 7:15 p.m. CST at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
