New York Giants sign former UAB standout off San Francisco 49ers’ roster

Andrew Thomas’ season-ending foot surgery this week left an opening at left offensive tackle for the New York Giants. It’s been a guessing game on how the Giants will fill the hole in their line.

Will Thomas’ backup, Joshua Ezeudu, step into the vacancy?

Might right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor flip sides, with Evan Neal returning to his old spot in the starting lineup?

Or could Neal return to the field at left tackle, a position he played at Alabama but hasn’t in the NFL?

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How about none of the above?

On Friday, the Giants announced the signing of offensive tackle Chris Hubbard from the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad for New York’s active roster. Hubbard practiced with the Giants on Friday.

“We’ll put him into the mix,” Daboll said. “I don’t think he’ll necessarily be ready after one day.”

Hubbard spent the first six weeks of this season on the 49ers’ practice squad without appearing in a game.

Daboll said New York would decide after practice on Friday who’ll play which tackle spot against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Hubbard has played in 100 NFL games – 94 regular-season and six postseason – since entering the NFL from UAB as an undrafted rookie in 2013.

Hubbard has started 58 NFL games – 51 at right tackle, four at right guard and three as an extra lineman in lieu of a tight end.

Hubbard started nine of the Tennessee Titans’ first 10 games at right offensive tackle in 2023 before a biceps injury ended his season prematurely.