Gates eyes return from career-ender
Sometimes, the only answer to a question is another question.
How many new starting offensive linemen do the Giants need next season?
Is Nick Gates going to be recovered by then from a fractured leg that required multiple surgeries?
“My plan is to get back on the field as fast as possible,” Gates said in his first interview since being carted off the field on Sept. 16. “I don’t know if it’s going to be this year or whatever, but just taking it day by day.”
Giants head coach Joe Judge intimated at one point that Gates’ injury could be career-ending. Gates’ agent, Jon Perzley, quickly pushed back and said there was no doubt that Gates would be back for the start of next season. No further surgeries are required.
“I’m doing good,” Gates said. “I’m making good steps and good strides in my rehab.”
The Giants have left tackle Andrew Thomas in place. Four starters — Will Hernandez, Nate Solder, Matt Skura and Billy Price — are free agents unlikely to be re-signed as remaking the offensive line becomes the top priority for the next general manager. Two 2020 draft picks — Matt Peart and Shane Lemieux — suffered seasonending knee injuries. Ben Bredeson was acquired for a draft pick but couldn’t crack a weak starting lineup.
If healthy, Gates, an enforcer who has 21 career starts, could be penciled in as a starting center or guard.
“We have good players on the line, but we definitely need to add some key changes, bring some people in and have more depth, especially after this year with all the guys who got hurt,” Gates said. “We definitely have good stepping stones. Drew is a good left tackle, surprised he didn’t get more Pro Bowl votes. We’re headed in the right direction. Just need to play better.”
➤ The Giants only re-signed one of six first-round picks from 2011-16 to a second contract. The exception, Odell Beckham Jr., was traded one season after resigning. Next up is 2017 first-rounder TE Evan Engram, who will be a free agent.
“I have no idea what to expect or even know the process,” Engram said. “I would be blessed to be back in a Giants uniform, 100 percent, but there are a lot of things that need to be figured out and conversations that need to be started. Whatever happens, happens.”
➤ DT Leonard Williams played the final four games through an elbow injury that originally was feared to be season-ending.
“I’m going to stick around a little bit until they take a look at a few things,” Williams said, “but overall I come out healthy. I’m not expecting any surgeries or anything like that. I’m going to get some treatment still, and make sure I’m keeping up with my training throughout the offseason.”
➤ The Giants signed eight familiar players to futures contracts: LBs Trent Harris and Omari Cobb ,QB Brian Lewerke ,OT Devery Hamilton ,TE Jake Hausmann ,DT David Moa ,DE Niko Lalos and WR Travis Toivonen. All were on the practice squad. Some were elevated to play in games.