Andrew Thomas is cleared, but Giants still need a passing plan

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Andrew Thomas is cleared, but Giants still need a passing plan

Andrew Thomas is cleared, but Giants still need a passing plan — August/September 2026 archive, not this weeks groin assessment or Houston game. Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) looks on after joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alexander Wilson · Empire Sports Media

Sat, Oct 24, 2026 ·

3 min read

Houston won't make a conservative Giants plan easy

The Texans have allowed 498 rushing yards on 145 attempts, an average of 3.4 yards per carry. That's not a defense I'd approach with the assumption that enough early-down runs will spare McCarthy difficult passing situations.

Cam Skattebo has 294 yards on 81 carries, or 3.6 per attempt. The Giants can still find useful runs, but those two sets of numbers don't support treating the ground game as an automatic escape from the opponent's strengths.

The practical choice is balance with a purpose: manageable throws, a defined answer when pressure arrives and protection help directed toward the matchup that needs it. Having Thomas at left tackle makes that plan more workable. It doesn't eliminate the need to make those decisions.

Giants tackle Andrew Thomas entering the field before the September 13 Dallas game

August/September 2026 archive, not this weeks groin assessment or Houston game. Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Available isn't the same as fully healthy

Thomas' lack of a game designation is the official availability news. His two limited practices are also part of the record. Neither tells us that his groin feels perfect or that the staff should ask him to handle every difficult assignment without help.

I'd keep the early passing menu clear enough for McCarthy to know where the ball can go before the rush gets home. That doesn't mean abandoning deeper throws. It means choosing the opportunities rather than depending on the offensive line to buy extra time on every possession.

There is a good argument for running when Houston presents lighter boxes or the Giants establish a genuine blocking advantage. The staff should respond to what the defense offers. A season average can't decide the next play call.

If the early runs go nowhere, call the manageable pass before McCarthy is left trying to rescue third-and-long. Protecting him should include letting him make a normal first-down throw, with help assigned where the protection actually needs it.

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