Evan Neal, Tyre Phillips Have Respective Surgeries

New York Giants offensive tackles Evan Neal and Tyre Phillips, both on season-ending injured reserve for lower body injuries, had their respective surgeries recently, the team confirmed for reporters.

Neal, the team's seventh-round draft pick in 2022 and starting right tackle, dealt with two ankle issues this season, the second of which he suffered against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

He tried to come back this season, practicing before the team's Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints, but he ended up inactive for that game after being listed as doubtful when a re-examination uncovered a small cracked bone in his foot.

Neal's surgery was performed Tuesday by Dr. Robert Anderson, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based specialist.

Phillips, who has started at right tackle for Neal during his absence, suffered a torn quad tendon in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Initially thought to have a knee injury, an MRI confirmed the tear, and Phillips's season ended.

Phillips, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this off-season, had his surgery on Tuesday, the procedure performed by Dr. Scott Rodeo at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Fourth-year player Matt Peart, who will also be an unrestricted free agent after this season, has since stepped in for Phillips to finish the season. With Neal likely to spend the spring rehabbing and the Giants likely taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Phillips' rehab, offensive tackle suddenly has become just as big of a need as any for the Giants to address in the coming off-season.