New York Giants starting center John Michael Schmitz suffered an ankle injury during the final preseason game Friday night against the New York Jets.
The second-year center exited the game following the team’s first offensive drive. He was rolled up on during a fourth-and-one play the Giants failed to convert.
After being checked out on the sidelines by the training staff, Schmitz was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Schmitz being ruled out for the rest of the preseason finale may not necessarily indicate the severity of the injury. The majority of the starters weren’t on the field. Schmitz was the only projected starter on offense to suit up Saturday night.
Even so, this is a concerning narrative that has dominated Schmitz’s second season. He missed more than a week of training camp due to a shoulder injury.
A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Schmitz struggled along with the rest of the offensive line last season. Among qualified centers, Schmitz’s 30 total pressures and five sacks allowed were both the fifth-most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
It’s unclear how severe the injury is, and the Giants have roughly two weeks before the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
If Schmitz is to miss any time, veteran Greg Van Roten would likely step in as the starter. The Giants also would need to decide on Austin Schlottman and Jimmy Morrissey if they want to keep a third center before roster cuts.
MORE GIANTS
Giants trade proposal sends former Day 2 pick to 49ers
NFL analyst rips Giants, will ‘struggle mightily’ to reach low win total
How to watch Giants vs. Jets preseason finale
