Giants OTAs: Punches Thrown, Injury List Grows as Big Blue Battles Early Hurdles

• Kayvon Thibodeaux reportedly throws punch at Jermaine Eluemunor during Giants OTA.
• Significant injuries sideline key players: Malik Nabers (toe), Andrew Thomas (foot), Jon Runyan (ankle).
• Giants face early challenges with practice altercation and growing injury list ahead of 2024 season.
• OTA practice ends early due to the on-field scuffle.

Well, Giants fans, another week of OTAs is in the books, and it wasn't exactly smooth sailing for Big Blue. The biggest headline? A practice scuffle that saw Kayvon Thibodeaux reportedly throw a punch at Jermaine Eluemunor – a rare sight in non-contact drills. Add that to a mounting injury list featuring stars like Malik Nabers and Andrew Thomas, and suddenly, the path to Week 1 feels a bit rockier than we'd hoped.

We're asking our guys to channel their inner pirate.

OTA Tempers Flare & Injury Report Swells

Thursday's practice took an unexpected turn, ending early after an altercation between Kayvon Thibodeaux and newcomer Jermaine Eluemunor. Reports indicate Thibodeaux threw a punch, a surprising development given these are non-contact OTAs where such incidents are typically reserved for the heat of padded training camp. This isn't ideal, especially as Thibodeaux has been tabbed by Pro Football Focus as a potential most improved player for 2025. Hopefully, it's a minor blip and not a sign of simmering frustrations. Speaking of frustrations, the injury report continues to be a major concern. Key players like rookie sensation Malik Nabers (toe), stalwart left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot), new guard Jon Runyan (ankle), Greg Van Roten (unknown), Dexter Lawrence (elbow), Darius Alexander (unknown), Bobby Okereke (unknown), and Deonte Banks (unknown) all missed practice time this week. With only four OTA sessions left (June 9-10, June 12-13) before mandatory minicamp (June 17-19), getting these guys healthy is paramount. The list of players questionable for Week 1 at Washington is already alarmingly long, including Lawrence, Timmy Horne (Achilles), D.J. Davidson (shoulder), Thomas, Micah McFadden (neck), Nabers, Abdul Carter (foot), Victor Dimukeje (pectoral), and Runyan.

Wilson at the Helm, Dart Developing Under Veteran Wings

On a more positive note, the quarterback room seems to be gelling. Russell Wilson is firmly entrenched as the QB1, taking all the first-team reps, and by all accounts, looking sharp. Behind him, rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart is getting valuable experience with the second team. Coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen have been consistent in their message: Dart's development is best served by learning as Wilson's understudy this season. It's not just Wilson providing guidance; safety Jevon Holland mentioned that both Russ and veteran Jameis Winston have been instrumental in helping Dart acclimate to the NFL grind, both on and off the field. This mentorship is exactly what you want to see for a young QB.

Shuffling the Deck: Neal to Guard, Defense Aiming for 'Pirate' Mentality

The Giants are making some significant personnel adjustments. After three challenging seasons at right tackle, former first-rounder Evan Neal is transitioning to guard. Coaches say Neal is 'putting in his work,' and they're eager to 'see what he shows when the pads come on in training camp.' It's a make-or-break move for Neal, but one that could salvage his career and bolster the interior line. On the other side of the ball, Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen, in his second season under Daboll, is looking to instill a fierce identity. He's reportedly asking his players to 'channel their inner pirate' in 2025. With a defensive front potentially featuring Thibodeaux, the newly acquired blue-chip edge rusher Abdul Carter (currently nursing a foot injury), and the dominant Dexter Lawrence (whose 93.4 PFF grade was team-high last season), that pirate mentality could make them one of the league's most feared units.

Holland's X-Factor & Bolstering the Front Office

Speaking of defensive playmakers, Pro Football Focus has identified safety Jevon Holland as the Giants' X-factor for the 2025 season. Holland has been a vocal leader and active participant in team activities, and his role in mentoring rookie QB Jaxson Dart alongside Wilson and Winston underscores his value beyond just his on-field performance. The Giants are also making moves off the field, reportedly adding former Ole Miss assistant director of player personnel Tommy Pernetti to their front office. This addition should further strengthen GM Joe Schoen's personnel department as they continue to build the roster.

While the OTA drama and the lengthy injury list are undoubtedly causes for concern, there are still positive signs. The development of Jaxson Dart, the potential of the revamped offensive and defensive lines, and the leadership emerging from players like Jevon Holland offer reasons for optimism. The next few weeks, leading into mandatory minicamp, will be crucial for getting key players healthy and ironing out any lingering issues. Let's hope Big Blue can navigate these choppy waters and head into training camp with some positive momentum.