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How concerning is Evan Neal's health?

SFGFNCGiantsFan : 6/12/2024 7:49 pm
Per Duggan on The Athletic from earlier-

"The 6-foot-7, 340-pounder appeared to be laboring as he walked around the practice fields this week."

He had surgery in January. He's now missed significant time in both his rookie & sophomore seasons. I'm hoping he's ready to go come training camp, but I'm not optimistic about that. Is it a fool's errand to actually rely on this dude, setting even his play aside?
Why limit it to health?  
George from PA : 6/12/2024 7:53 pm : link
Neal is a major concern.

Level of play, reliability,health.

All of the above.

My #1 concern
Today?  
Vinny from Danbury : 6/12/2024 7:54 pm : link
Not at all. If the situation remains the same by mid-August, then I’ll get concerned.
if i had to be money right now  
bigbluewillrise : 6/12/2024 7:56 pm : link
its 80-20 hes not getting his 5th year option picked up next year.

thts one of the major success criteria for 1st round draft picks.
Did he even participate in OTA’s before Mini Camp?  
Rick in Dallas : 6/12/2024 8:11 pm : link
Neal is a huge injury concern imv besides bad technique when he does play
I just have this bad feeling about him….hope I wrong
A “rehab” offseason instead of a “development” offseason  
bceagle05 : 6/12/2024 8:17 pm : link
seems particularly problematic for Neal. He needs every rep he can get.
at this  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 6/12/2024 8:19 pm : link
point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.

Dont forget Neal was a LG at Alabama for a season (not RG)  
fish3321 : 6/12/2024 8:39 pm : link
Dont think its a coincidence Eluemenor is playing LG right now.

Because if they have to swap, it doesn't shuffle the whole O-line. Eluemenor to RT and Neal to LG, where he played at Alabama
Evan Neal Starting To Remind Me More And More  
Trainmaster : 6/12/2024 8:51 pm : link
of this guy:

RE: Why limit it to health?  
4xchamps : 6/12/2024 8:58 pm : link
In comment 16535650 George from PA said:
Quote:
Neal is a major concern.

Level of play, reliability,health.

All of the above.

My #1 concern


Because without health, nothing else matters douch...
Not concerning enough to draft a single OL, apparently  
Go Terps : 6/12/2024 9:05 pm : link
Hopefully the free agents are good, the center improves a lot, and Thomas stays healthy.

Doesn't seem like a lot to ask...
I hope the hand of God  
section125 : 6/12/2024 9:11 pm : link
comes down to allay all your concerns in June about a player coming off surgery in January.
Yes it is a bit concerning. But there is noting I can do so I will not worry about it until August 15th.
Can’t stay healthy and performs abysmally when  
Metnut : 6/12/2024 9:15 pm : link
he plays. Absolutely looks like there was a set back of some kind last week of some kind.

Looking forward to him being “limited” in camp and setting week 1 at less than 100% (after missing most of offseason and camp work).
Concerned about an injury to a Giants’ player  
BillT : 6/12/2024 9:18 pm : link
Can’t imagine why. We’re the very model of health.
Very concerning, if you think he's going to become  
Bill in UT : 6/12/2024 9:22 pm : link
a good player. Not so concerning if he isn't
RE: at this  
Red Right Hand : 6/12/2024 9:25 pm : link
In comment 16535664 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.
I don't think he is our starter on opening day, and I don't think he starts much more than half the games this year, and I don't think he's here next year on opening day
RE: RE: at this  
Bill in UT : 6/12/2024 9:30 pm : link
In comment 16535720 Red Right Hand said:
Quote:
In comment 16535664 Eric from BBI said:


Quote:


point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.


I don't think he is our starter on opening day, and I don't think he starts much more than half the games this year, and I don't think he's here next year on opening day

And who do you think his replacement will be? And if EO, who do you think his replacement will be?
RE: RE: RE: at this  
Red Right Hand : 6/12/2024 9:42 pm : link
In comment 16535724 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 16535720 Red Right Hand said:


Quote:


In comment 16535664 Eric from BBI said:


Quote:


point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.


I don't think he is our starter on opening day, and I don't think he starts much more than half the games this year, and I don't think he's here next year on opening day


And who do you think his replacement will be? And if EO, who do you think his replacement will be?
I don't think they Know. I think it is likely someone already on the roster, and they've set it up so they an use Elumanour with the least amount of disruption, we covered that in another thread yesterday. I thinbk they are usuing Ezudu to see if he is an option, beccause in a perfect world Neal goes out and Ezudu steps up. If that doesnyt work then they have to go to Elumanour, which they ALREADY know they can do, that's why they are using Ezudu now, to see IF he can do it. If not, than Elumanour to RT, and i guess if that happens at start of training camp then we see a competition for starting LG.. If Neal can't go, I see LG as the uncertain position that gets sorted during camp,not RT. They may get lucky and pick up a good RT after final cutdowns or after the first week, but they can't count on that, so that, while a possibility an't be the plan. No, give Ezudu a shot, and if not then let him fight for LG. He either pans out at one of those 2 positions or he and Neal are gone next spring, and Schoen then knows what work remains on the line. What do you think they do If Neal can't go?
PUP Neal  
5BowlsSoon : 6/12/2024 10:22 pm : link
And let’s just make this guy our RT- Jermaine Eluemunor.

He has proven he can play the RT position and the OL coach can confirm this. Let Neal heal up seeing he is a slow healer and then maybe consider him to move to guard if Eluemunor is playing sufficient enough, which I hope and expect he will. Besides, if Neal is still struggling with his health in mid June…it seems unlikely he will be near 100% come August.

The only reason why Neal is being considered to be the starting RT is because he was a 1st round draft pick. If he were a 3rd, he wouldn’t even be considered to be a starter.

Having said all of this, if by some chance Eluemunor struggles, then maybe Neal can earn the right to try again at RT. But I want Sy’s approval on this…..he is the one who has been spot on regarding Neal’s issues with balance and feet.
RE: PUP Neal  
gridirony : 6/12/2024 10:44 pm : link
In comment 16535758 5BowlsSoon said:
Quote:
And let’s just make this guy our RT- Jermaine Eluemunor.

He has proven he can play the RT position and the OL coach can confirm this. Let Neal heal up seeing he is a slow healer and then maybe consider him to move to guard if Eluemunor is playing sufficient enough, which I hope and expect he will. Besides, if Neal is still struggling with his health in mid June…it seems unlikely he will be near 100% come August.

The only reason why Neal is being considered to be the starting RT is because he was a 1st round draft pick. If he were a 3rd, he wouldn’t even be considered to be a starter.

Having said all of this, if by some chance Eluemunor struggles, then maybe Neal can earn the right to try again at RT. But I want Sy’s approval on this…..he is the one who has been spot on regarding Neal’s issues with balance and feet.


I wouldn't move Eluemunor. There's no guarantee he'd be a success at RT. And, that move could blow up the continuity they need from the inside three. I believe JMS needs two guards staying the same, in order to work as a team.

Just keep trying out RTs, until they find their best one, and leave the other four linemen alone.

RE: if i had to be money right now  
Blue21 : 6/12/2024 10:44 pm : link
In comment 16535653 bigbluewillrise said:
Quote:
its 80-20 hes not getting his 5th year option picked up next year.

thts one of the major success criteria for 1st round draft picks.
Id say 50-50
As  
AcidTest : 6/12/2024 10:48 pm : link
others have said, he's had injury and performance concerns. This is a big year for him. He needs to stay healthy and play well. We won't get any indication about the former IMO until camp is done.
RE: RE: PUP Neal  
FranknWeezer : 6/12/2024 11:30 pm : link
In comment 16535768 gridirony said:
Quote:
In comment 16535758 5BowlsSoon said:


Quote:


And let’s just make this guy our RT- Jermaine Eluemunor.

He has proven he can play the RT position and the OL coach can confirm this. Let Neal heal up seeing he is a slow healer and then maybe consider him to move to guard if Eluemunor is playing sufficient enough, which I hope and expect he will. Besides, if Neal is still struggling with his health in mid June…it seems unlikely he will be near 100% come August.

The only reason why Neal is being considered to be the starting RT is because he was a 1st round draft pick. If he were a 3rd, he wouldn’t even be considered to be a starter.

Having said all of this, if by some chance Eluemunor struggles, then maybe Neal can earn the right to try again at RT. But I want Sy’s approval on this…..he is the one who has been spot on regarding Neal’s issues with balance and feet.



I wouldn't move Eluemunor. There's no guarantee he'd be a success at RT. And, that move could blow up the continuity they need from the inside three. I believe JMS needs two guards staying the same, in order to work as a team.

Just keep trying out RTs, until they find their best one, and leave the other four linemen alone.


You lost me on the “wouldn’t move Eleumenor to RT” comment. He’s gotten put at RG for who knows why and has like one career start there. Makes no sense we pay him all that money after he shines at RT and we summarily move him inside. Neal continues to be a drag on this unit.
Neal needs to have a good season  
JoeyBigBlue : 6/12/2024 11:33 pm : link
Or he’s released in the offseason. No need to keep a mistake on the roster.
RE: RE: RE: RE: at this  
Bill in UT : 6/13/2024 12:28 am : link
In comment 16535727 Red Right Hand said:
Quote:
In comment 16535724 Bill in UT said:


Quote:


In comment 16535720 Red Right Hand said:


Quote:


In comment 16535664 Eric from BBI said:


Quote:


point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.


I don't think he is our starter on opening day, and I don't think he starts much more than half the games this year, and I don't think he's here next year on opening day


And who do you think his replacement will be? And if EO, who do you think his replacement will be?

I don't think they Know. I think it is likely someone already on the roster, and they've set it up so they an use Elumanour with the least amount of disruption, we covered that in another thread yesterday. I thinbk they are usuing Ezudu to see if he is an option, beccause in a perfect world Neal goes out and Ezudu steps up. If that doesnyt work then they have to go to Elumanour, which they ALREADY know they can do, that's why they are using Ezudu now, to see IF he can do it. If not, than Elumanour to RT, and i guess if that happens at start of training camp then we see a competition for starting LG.. If Neal can't go, I see LG as the uncertain position that gets sorted during camp,not RT. They may get lucky and pick up a good RT after final cutdowns or after the first week, but they can't count on that, so that, while a possibility an't be the plan. No, give Ezudu a shot, and if not then let him fight for LG. He either pans out at one of those 2 positions or he and Neal are gone next spring, and Schoen then knows what work remains on the line. What do you think they do If Neal can't go?


I think if Neal can't hack it they're up shit's creek. This line only has 4 talented players (1 star) if Neal doesn't step up to be the 5th. Even then, they're thin as tissue paper. As of now, I think the chances of Ezeudu being successful anywhere on the line are minimal. He's been awful wherever they've played him.
It's a huge concern. He's been injured almost his whole career  
sb from NYT Forum : 6/13/2024 12:38 am : link
His MCL injury in his rookie year (never the same after it).

A concussion in 2023 camp, and then his ankle "sprain" in week 6, which once again was a botched diagnosis by the team's medical staff and turned out to be a fracture, which he aggravated when the medical staff had him play after only 2 weeks, and didn't play again for the season.

Our medical staff really fucking sucks. They misdiagnosis and then have guys come back too soon, only to fuck them up for the whole season, or worse.

How many times does this have to happen before someone does something about it.
RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: at this  
Red Right Hand : 6/13/2024 3:18 am : link
In comment 16535803 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 16535727 Red Right Hand said:


Quote:


In comment 16535724 Bill in UT said:


Quote:


In comment 16535720 Red Right Hand said:


Quote:


In comment 16535664 Eric from BBI said:


Quote:


point, everything is a concern with Evan Neal.


I don't think he is our starter on opening day, and I don't think he starts much more than half the games this year, and I don't think he's here next year on opening day


And who do you think his replacement will be? And if EO, who do you think his replacement will be?

I don't think they Know. I think it is likely someone already on the roster, and they've set it up so they an use Elumanour with the least amount of disruption, we covered that in another thread yesterday. I thinbk they are usuing Ezudu to see if he is an option, beccause in a perfect world Neal goes out and Ezudu steps up. If that doesnyt work then they have to go to Elumanour, which they ALREADY know they can do, that's why they are using Ezudu now, to see IF he can do it. If not, than Elumanour to RT, and i guess if that happens at start of training camp then we see a competition for starting LG.. If Neal can't go, I see LG as the uncertain position that gets sorted during camp,not RT. They may get lucky and pick up a good RT after final cutdowns or after the first week, but they can't count on that, so that, while a possibility an't be the plan. No, give Ezudu a shot, and if not then let him fight for LG. He either pans out at one of those 2 positions or he and Neal are gone next spring, and Schoen then knows what work remains on the line. What do you think they do If Neal can't go?



I think if Neal can't hack it they're up shit's creek. This line only has 4 talented players (1 star) if Neal doesn't step up to be the 5th. Even then, they're thin as tissue paper. As of now, I think the chances of Ezeudu being successful anywhere on the line are minimal. He's been awful wherever they've played him.
well, what you said is what I think, but you asked what thew plan was and I answered, because I think that's as far as they got. But yeah, if neal can't go, they're fucked, and I don't think Neal can go.
RE: It's a huge concern. He's been injured almost his whole career  
shyster : 6/13/2024 5:21 am : link
In comment 16535807 sb from NYT Forum said:
Quote:


A concussion in 2023 camp, and then his ankle "sprain" in week 6, which once again was a botched diagnosis by the team's medical staff and turned out to be a fracture, which he aggravated when the medical staff had him play after only 2 weeks, and didn't play again for the season.

Our medical staff really fucking sucks. They misdiagnosis and then have guys come back too soon, only to fuck them up for the whole season, or worse.

How many times does this have to happen before someone does something about it.


You have the facts wrong in a fundamental way. Neal's ankle injury in Week 6 that put him out for two weeks was to his right ankle.

His injury in Week 9 that put him out for the season was to his left ankle. It wasn't immediately diagnosed as a fracture, but he was never allowed to come back to play on it.

Not all fractures are the same and some do not immediately show up on imaging. When he continued to experience pain, additional imaging revealed the fracture.

The medical staff is an easy punching bag because they never get to publicly explain what is happening in the handling of any given player and injury.
There's a lot about Neal that is concerning - his health and his  
Ira : 6/13/2024 7:04 am : link
ability to keep his balance when pass protecting are what have me concerned. But if our coaching staff believe in him and want to stick with him, I'm on board.
Our first two reserves are  
Jint Fan in Buc Land : 6/13/2024 7:05 am : link
Stinnie and Cajuste

If you're only concerned about Neal I hate to break it to you...

I'm not signing up for the annual "This is the year the OL plays close to adequately"

Wonder how long before this LSU WR goes to jemele and little Wayne
He's  
SoZKillA : 6/13/2024 7:28 am : link
a bust.

They will be forced to play him instead of a better player because he is a 1st round pick.
This guy  
mittenedman : 6/13/2024 7:56 am : link
has been hurt almost the entire last 2 years now. What a disaster he’s been. Agree w beagle above, the last thing this guy needed was to be standing around all summer rehabbing. He’s going to pick up right where he left off, if that.
I'll begin to be concerned...  
Brown_Hornet : 6/13/2024 8:06 am : link
...when he's not at camp.
He's a player that needs to get better  
Biteymax22 : 6/13/2024 8:21 am : link
So therefore needs to be practicing and working his craft. An inability to do so is concerning.

If he was Andrew Thomas I'd be saying "he'll be fine by training camp" and not worrying. Not the case with Neal who needed an offseason working on technique.
Guy sucks  
DG23. : 6/13/2024 8:27 am : link
Evan Neal sucks.
Extremely concerning  
Silver Spoon : 6/13/2024 8:31 am : link
since even when he was healthy, he was abysmal. This is a guy that makes Flowers look like an all pro.
the  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 6/13/2024 8:35 am : link
Erick Flowers comments are not appropriate. Flowers was a coaching problem. Neal is not.
RE: Dont forget Neal was a LG at Alabama for a season (not RG)  
Optimus-NY : 6/13/2024 9:31 am : link
In comment 16535682 fish3321 said:
Quote:
Dont think its a coincidence Eluemenor is playing LG right now.

Because if they have to swap, it doesn't shuffle the whole O-line. Eluemenor to RT and Neal to LG, where he played at Alabama


Great point
RE: He's  
Optimus-NY : 6/13/2024 9:44 am : link
In comment 16535830 SoZKillA said:
Quote:
a bust.

They will be forced to play him instead of a better player because he is a 1st round pick.


Looks to be the case
That is a good point.  
mittenedman : 6/13/2024 9:48 am : link
Especially because I think Neal can be a kick ass G, and Eluemunor is a better RT than him.

Let’s hope we’re setting the stage for this move.
RE: Neal needs to have a good season  
Mike from Ohio : 6/13/2024 10:22 am : link
In comment 16535792 JoeyBigBlue said:
Quote:
Or he’s released in the offseason. No need to keep a mistake on the roster.


I agree, but this isn't really how the Giants operate. If he is injured again this year they very likely will just wait until next year and try again. This organization is so cursed with injuries because they are extremely patient with players who are injury prone - Barkley, Shepard, Jones...
RE: RE: It's a huge concern. He's been injured almost his whole career  
sb from NYT Forum : 6/13/2024 11:52 am : link
In comment 16535821 shyster said:
Quote:
In comment 16535807 sb from NYT Forum said:


Quote:




A concussion in 2023 camp, and then his ankle "sprain" in week 6, which once again was a botched diagnosis by the team's medical staff and turned out to be a fracture, which he aggravated when the medical staff had him play after only 2 weeks, and didn't play again for the season.

Our medical staff really fucking sucks. They misdiagnosis and then have guys come back too soon, only to fuck them up for the whole season, or worse.

How many times does this have to happen before someone does something about it.



You have the facts wrong in a fundamental way. Neal's ankle injury in Week 6 that put him out for two weeks was to his right ankle.

His injury in Week 9 that put him out for the season was to his left ankle. It wasn't immediately diagnosed as a fracture, but he was never allowed to come back to play on it.

Not all fractures are the same and some do not immediately show up on imaging. When he continued to experience pain, additional imaging revealed the fracture.

The medical staff is an easy punching bag because they never get to publicly explain what is happening in the handling of any given player and injury.


Thanks for clarifying. I still think the Giants’ med staff’s history of misdiagnoses is awful.
RE: RE: Dont forget Neal was a LG at Alabama for a season (not RG)  
5BowlsSoon : 6/13/2024 1:12 pm : link
In comment 16535902 Optimus-NY said:
Quote:
In comment 16535682 fish3321 said:


Quote:


Dont think its a coincidence Eluemenor is playing LG right now.

Because if they have to swap, it doesn't shuffle the whole O-line. Eluemenor to RT and Neal to LG, where he played at Alabama



Great point


I still believe LG will be Neal’s best shot at being significant in a positive way. Let Eluemunor play RT and rest easy at nights.,
It’s been clear all off-season  
GiantsFan84 : 6/13/2024 4:48 pm : link
This team is still an OL short. You do not want Stinnie starting.

But I have zero excitement already for this season since Jones is playing.
According to Daboll the other day  
darren in pdx : 6/13/2024 4:57 pm : link
he is on schedule in rehab and is still on track to be a participant in training camp. Eluemunor was signed to hedge against Neal at RT if he doesn't work out with the new coach or injuries. I think people are way too optimistic about the o-line at the moment, yet another year of a lot of people saying 'It'll finally be average.' It's Thomas and a bunch of question marks along with a new coach that many have already decided is the answer just because it's someone that wasn't the other guy.
Not so concerning  
HBart : 6/13/2024 5:04 pm : link
With Eluemunor on the roster.

Ankle surgery isn't trivial for a 300 pound dude playing pro ball. Daboll said he's on track which makes sense -- again, 5 months isn't so long. So either he's on schedule for all good, or Daboll's lying; but we don't know. With a real RT in reserve, unlike last season, no biggie. Eluemunor gets hurt - big deal.
The problem with Evan is...  
DefenseWins : 6/13/2024 6:31 pm : link
that he has two left feet. He is NOT an athletic 340 pounder. He hurt his ankle while backing up and tripping over his own feet.

This guy is not an NFL tackle...
RE: RE: RE: Dont forget Neal was a LG at Alabama for a season (not RG)  
Optimus-NY : 6/14/2024 9:24 am : link
In comment 16536145 5BowlsSoon said:
Quote:
In comment 16535902 Optimus-NY said:


Quote:


In comment 16535682 fish3321 said:


Quote:


Dont think its a coincidence Eluemenor is playing LG right now.

Because if they have to swap, it doesn't shuffle the whole O-line. Eluemenor to RT and Neal to LG, where he played at Alabama



Great point



I still believe LG will be Neal’s best shot at being significant in a positive way. Let Eluemunor play RT and rest easy at nights.,


I fully agree. Watching Neal attempt to play RT with Reddick over him was comical. Total mismatch. Unfortunately, that also extends to almost everyone else playing over him. I wish I was wrong, but it is what it is with him. Being injured and over-sensitive too don't help.
RE: The problem with Evan is...  
HBart : 6/14/2024 9:49 am : link
In comment 16536513 DefenseWins said:
Quote:
that he has two left feet. He is NOT an athletic 340 pounder. He hurt his ankle while backing up and tripping over his own feet.

This guy is not an NFL tackle...


You have GOT to get a message to the team. Those doofuses Schoen, Daboll, Bricillo, Kafka and Ferentz are thinking he can play tackle - you need to set them straight.
first round scholarship  
fkap : 6/14/2024 11:03 am : link
is somewhat complex.

All the reasons Neal was widely considered worthy of his draft status still exist. His potential is still there. They are correct to continue to try getting that potential out of him. But the clock is ticking.

Meanwhile, it's doubtful lesser drafted players are being ignored simply because of draft status. At least I hope that's the case. The reason they were lowly drafted is that they didn't show the potential pre draft, and now have to prove that they can do it. IF they show it, they'll move up the chart.

But if all things are currently equal, the guy who did enough to get the better draft position will get the benefit of the doubt.
RE: first round scholarship  
Optimus-NY : 6/14/2024 1:49 pm : link
In comment 16536880 fkap said:
Quote:
is somewhat complex.

All the reasons Neal was widely considered worthy of his draft status still exist. His potential is still there. They are correct to continue to try getting that potential out of him. But the clock is ticking.

Meanwhile, it's doubtful lesser drafted players are being ignored simply because of draft status. At least I hope that's the case. The reason they were lowly drafted is that they didn't show the potential pre draft, and now have to prove that they can do it. IF they show it, they'll move up the chart.

But if all things are currently equal, the guy who did enough to get the better draft position will get the benefit of the doubt.


He's got potential alright---the potential to get DJ KILLED!
RE: Why limit it to health?  
Gatorade Dunk : 6/14/2024 2:41 pm : link
In comment 16535650 George from PA said:
Quote:
Neal is a major concern.

Level of play, reliability,health.

All of the above.

My #1 concern

There's a couple of guys on the Giants roster that would fit that description, verbatim.
RE: RE: Why limit it to health?  
Gatorade Dunk : 6/14/2024 2:42 pm : link
In comment 16535697 4xchamps said:
Quote:
In comment 16535650 George from PA said:


Quote:


Neal is a major concern.

Level of play, reliability,health.

All of the above.

My #1 concern



Because without health, nothing else matters douch...

Wow, this is unnecessary.





And wildly ironic.
RE: if i had to be money right now  
Optimus-NY : 6/16/2024 12:09 pm : link
In comment 16535653 bigbluewillrise said:
Quote:
its 80-20 hes not getting his 5th year option picked up next year.

thts one of the major success criteria for 1st round draft picks.


+1
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