A key Giants lineman is out until at least training camp. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report that offensive tackle Nate Solder recently underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean out his ankle (via NFL.com’s Herbie Teope). The veteran had previously been dealing with bone spurs.
Fortunately for the Giants, Solder’s surgery wasn’t considered “major.” Rather, the lineman should be recovered by late July or early August. Of course, a setback means that the recovery time could bleed into the preseason. This isn’t ideal for an offensive line that allowed 47 sacks last season, regardless if the team has veteran Eli Manning or rookie Daniel Jones under center.
The former first-rounder joined the Giants last offseason after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Patriots. His new four-year, $62 million contract ($35MM guaranteed) made him the NFL’s highest-paid lineman at the time, and Solder proceeded to award the team’s investment by starting all 16 games in 2018. Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked Solder 21st among 80 eligible offensive tackles.
If Solder were to miss considerable time, the Giants could turn to Brian Mihalik or Jylan Ware, or they could consider swapping right tackle Chad Wheeler to the left side of the offensive line. The coaching staff could even give a look at seventh-rounder George Asafo-Adjei.
Why wait to get that surgery done? The timing of the surgery along with the potential recovery timetable puts preseason/the beginning of the season in jeopardy. Why? He didn’t develop these bonespurs building snowmen over the winter. I’m confident the issue had been raised. So why wait?
Good question. A lot of times they try and wait hoping that rest and rehab helps. But I agree something like a bone spur is not going away, like a strain or pull. Should have had it done in February or March.