Giants receive troubling injury updates ahead of 'Monday Night Football'

The New York Giants (1-2) will likely be without two of their most impactful offensive players when they host the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) on "Monday Night Football."

On Saturday, Giants HC Brian Daboll told reporters the team would be without left tackle Andrew Thomas for the third straight game. Not long after Thomas' injury update was issued, the team listed star running back Saquon Barkley as doubtful after he missed last week’s 30-12 loss to San Francisco due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 2.

Thomas, an All-Pro in 2022, injured his hamstring during the first quarter of New York's season-opening 40-0 loss to Dallas trying to chase down Cowboys cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Thomas' status for Monday isn't all that surprising since he did not participate in Friday's practice after being limited in Thursday's session.

While Barkley might be the higher-profile name, Thomas is arguably the more significant loss. The team is in need of improvement in several areas, but New York's offensive line has been the primary cause of its sluggish 1-2 start. According to Pro Football Focus, quarterback Daniel Jones has been pressured on 46.7% of his dropbacks through three games, the highest rate in the NFL, and far exceeds last season's league average of 34%.

Perhaps the Seahawks defense will prove to be a more favorable matchup than the Giants O-line has faced this season, as Seattle's unit has generated the 10th-fewest pressures (23) while recording the sixth-fewest sacks in the league (five). 

Veteran Matt Breida (31 rushing yards and one touchdown this season) is expected to assume lead-back duties in Barkley's absence, while 2022 third-rounder Joshua Ezeudu will fill in for Thomas. Considering the offensive line's current state, Ezeudu fared well over his first two NFL starts at left tackle, allowing one sack and five pressures in the last two games. 

Nevertheless, the spotlight will be on Jones to compensate for the team's injury problems as he attempts to justify his $160 million price tag and improve on his dismal 1-11 record in primetime games.