EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants lost their second starting offensive lineman in a span of five days, with right tackle David Diehl to miss six weeks to undergo right thumb surgery.
The Giants announced that the 11-year veteran will have surgery to repair what’s being called an “unstable right thumb”. He practiced with a cast on his right hand Tuesday and both Diehl and head coach Tom Coughlin thought he’d be able to play through it.
“Dave’s a tough one,” offensive lineman Kevin Boothe said Wednesday. “If anyone could’ve played through it, it was him.”
Diehl’s injury comes just days after starting center David Baas suffered an MCL strain in the 20-12 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Giants medical staff will continue to monitor Baas’ knee, but he expects to be ready for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Baas spent the most of the 2012 season beat up as in the offseason he had multiple minor surgeries in what he described as a “body tune-up”.
“This group has had experience with guys going down, but we’ll respond,” Booth said with a ho-hum expression. He recalled back to the 2011 Super Bowl season where he started at three different positions in three weeks.
“I’m used to it. I think the team’s used to it. And it’s always something you have to prepare for in this game.”
Veteran right guard Chris Snee said he was a “step slow” in his preseason debut Sunday after recovering from offseason hip surgery.
On Tuesday Boothe moved from left guard to center, in the place of Baas, as Diehl moved from right tackle to left guard and first-round pick Justin Pugh was inserted into the starting right tackle role.
“I’m ready. Coach Flaherty has been covering all the bases to make sure I’m ready,” Pugh said. “I just know getting out for the game will give me some valuable experience.”
Now with Diehl out for six weeks, the offensive line will have to do another round of musical chairs. This time, with a group with little professional experience.
Backup center Jim Cordle took the snaps at center on Wednesday, with Boothe moving back to the left guard and Pugh in Diehl’s spot at right tackle. Utility guard James Brewer could see time at left guard should Boothe be asked to play center, as Brewer got time at right guard while Snee was on the PUP list earlier in training camp.
Second-year guard Brandon Mosley, who started for Chris Snee in the preseason opener at right guard, also has a shot to see some significant playing time over these last two preseason games.
“I think the young guys are definitely excited for the opportunity. I know James and Brandon are always itching to get in there. This is their chance now,” Boothe said.
