The New York Giants entered Sunday’s Week 6 home game against the New Orleans Saints with encouraging injury news on two key players.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin) and linebacker Abdul Carter (calf) are both expected to play despite being listed as questionable. Thomas has managed his groin issue since Week 2 without missing a snap, while Carter’s expected return provides a boost to a defense already without Brian Burns for the season.
Carter has recorded 2.0 sacks and ranks among the league leaders in quarterback pressures.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) was not addressed by Rapoport. Eluemunor, who suffered the injury in the Week 5 tie against Washington, practiced on a limited basis Friday after missing the prior two days and remains questionable.
Head coach John Harbaugh indicated Friday that both tackles were essentially full-go (but were listed as limited) and performed well, though Eluemunor’s status appears less certain and could be a game-time decision. If he is inactive, second-year swing tackle Marcus Mbow would start at right tackle after filling in last week.
The Giants also ruled out cornerback Colton Hood (concussion), safety Tyler Nubin (neck) and tight end Theo Johnson (neck).
On the other side, Rapoport reported that Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) and wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) are expected to play as well.
With Jameis Winston at quarterback in place of the injured Jaxson Dart, the Giants (3-1-1) will look to protect their lead in the NFC East against a 1-4 Saints team. Availability for Thomas and Carter strengthens their outlook, though the right side of the offensive line remains a variable heading into kickoff.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Abdul Carter, Andrew Thomas expected to play vs. Saints