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New York Giants: Justin Pugh Set To Return vs Detroit Lions

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh is set to return to the lineup against the Detroit Lions.

The New York Giants offensive line has been a problem in recent weeks. A reason for that has been the absence of left guard Justin Pugh. Pugh was injured against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9, as he injured his MCL in the victory.

That injury crushed an already weak unit. Pugh is arguably the best offensive lineman the Giants have, with Weston Richburg being in the running. They are two of the best, young offensive lineman in the NFL and the Giants look like they will finally have both back in the lineup.

The Giants released their injury report for their game against the Detroit Lions this week and Pugh was not on it. That means Pugh will be back in the starting lineup for the first time since Week 9 and will be a huge boon to the Giants offense as a whole.

Pugh should help the Giants in the trenches as the offense has cratered in recent weeks. Unless it is Odell Beckham Jr. catching a short pass and making something happen with his athleticism, the Giants offense has done a whole lot of nothing. Pugh won’t be running the ball or catching passes, but he can help improve the Giants offense with his blocking ability.

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The Giants have shown some life in the running game in recent weeks, but it is far from a productive part of the offense. They have also not been able to give Eli Manning time in the passing game, as he gets pressured almost instantly and is unable to take shots downfield.

A reason for that has been the ineffectiveness of the left side of the offensive line. In addition to Pugh going down, Ereck Flowers has continued to be a turnstile at left tackle. In Pugh’s place, the Giants have used Marshall Newhouse for a majority of the time. Giants fans will remember that Newhouse was poor at his more natural position of right tackle, and things did not improve at left guard, where he was making his first career appearances.

It went as poorly as you would expect, as Newhouse was a disaster next to Flowers. The Giants’ backfield was under siege from that side constantly, and it is something that should happen less with Pugh in the fold.

Having one strong player on the side can help negate the negative one. Bobby Hart has done that to a certain extent on the right side, as John Jerry hasn’t had his name called as often as he did early in the season; the less you hear about an offensive lineman the better as you only hear about them when they mess up.

Getting Pugh back can only help the offense. In addition to Pugh, the Giants could have Shane Vereen back in the fold as well. Vereen suffered a triceps injury in Week 3 against the Washington Redskins and was sidelined until last week. Unfortunately, against the Dallas Cowboys, Vereen suffered a concussion and was put into the NFL’s protocol.

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Vereen is listed as questionable for the game. In addition to Vereen, linebacker Keenan Robinson and safety Nat Berhe are listed as questionable as well. The only player listed as out is Jason Pierre-Paul, who underwent sports hernia surgery after he got hurt against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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