As if the Giants’ offensive line wasn’t in rough enough shape, Shane Lemieux was put on the IR Thursday morning because of a torn bicep. The New York Giants have gotten used to Lemieux being injured, as this is the third straight year he’s hit the IR. After playing 532 snaps as a rookie in 2020, he’s only totaled 159 since. For a New York offense that desperately needs average offensive line play, he’s not a player that they wanted to see go down again.
Who is Joining Shane Lemieux as an Injured Giants Offensive Player?
Along the offensive line, Shane Lemieux is joined by Joshua Ezedu and J.C. Hassenauer on the IR. Five members of the Giants’ offensive front are questionable for this game. All-Pro Andrew Thomas (who hasn’t played since Week 1), Evan Neal, Mark Glowinski, rookie John Michael Schmitz Jr., and Matt Peart all carry an injury designation as of Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the two biggest names on this offense are also questionable. Quarterback Daniel Jones has been battling a neck injury, while Saquon Barkley, who played last week, has been a limited participant in practice due to his ankle. Wide Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) also didn’t practice on Wednesday and is questionable.
Exploring New York’s Offensive Struggles
A 1-5 start to the season is largely thanks to an offense that is last in scoring. New York is only putting up 11.8 points per game. This week’s contest is at home, where Big Blue has only mustered three points in two games. To say things are ugly is an understatement.
It all starts up front, where Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux, and John Michael Schmitz Jr.’s respective absences haven’t helped. The Giants average the fewest yards per play and have allowed the second-most sacks. New York’s defense held up against the Bills last Sunday, so a return to the win column is going to be on the offense’s shoulders.
They’re facing a rival Washington team that’s allowing 29.3 points per game (29th) this season. If there’s ever a time to bounce back, it’s now, even if Shane Lemieux’s injury is depleting an already thin line.
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