Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The New York Giants have received encouraging updates on right tackle Evan Neal’s health as he progresses through the concussion protocol.

Status Update from Coach Brian Daboll

Jordan Raanan of ESPN has relayed information that head coach Brian Daboll expressed optimism about Neal’s health. Daboll mentioned that Neal is “trending in the right direction” within the concussion protocol. If this progress continues, fans can anticipate Neal making his preseason appearance this Friday, facing off against the Carolina Panthers.

Background on Neal’s Injury

Neal encountered the concussion setback towards the climax of the training camp, leading him to be absent from the Giants’ preseason inaugural match against the Detroit Lions the previous week.

High Hopes for the Sophomore Season

Drafted as the 7th overall pick from Alabama in 2022, the 22-year-old tackle aims to overturn his rookie year’s struggles with a standout sophomore season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) allocated Neal a less-than-impressive grade of 44.1 for his 2022 performance, underscoring the need for improvement.

A Crucial Player for the Giants’ Offensive Line

It’s paramount for the Giants that Neal regains his health promptly. This will enable him to accumulate some vital preseason experience, setting the stage for the forthcoming regular season. A robust performance from Neal this year, combined with the skills of Andrew Thomas, could herald one of the Giants’ most formidable offensive lines in recent memory.

With the approaching Friday’s game, Giants enthusiasts might witness firsthand the enhancements Neal has incorporated during his training, provided he successfully completes the concussion protocol.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Oilers crush Panthers in Game 4, stay alive in Stanley Cup Final
Dodgers ace leaves game against Royals due to triceps tightness
Sam Mayer uses overtime restart to win Xfinity Series' return to Iowa
Liberty forward pushes herself into MVP conversation with big game vs. Aces
Tiger Woods makes big admission about his U.S. Open future
Cubs P 'Mike' Imanaga continues hot start vs. Cardinals
Celtics' All-Defensive guard reportedly could replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA
Tee Higgins' contract decision adds pressure on Bengals in 2024
One-time Defensive Player of the Year open to reunion with former team
College baseball has become too regional for its own good
Three Padres prospects who should be untouchable in trade talks
Connor McDavid's history-making night helps Oilers stave off elimination
Astros scratch Justin Verlander as nightmare season continues
Watch: Oilers chase goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky from Game 4
Watch: Rockies third baseman takes advantage of Pirates laziness' to steal home
Pirates place young catcher on concussion IL
Watch: Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final gets off to chaotic start
Rockies 1B, former NL MVP diagnosed with internal oblique strain
NBA insider shares update on J.J. Redick's candidacy for Lakers HC job
Nationals hurler DJ Herz makes impressive history in third career start