John Michael

Schmitz Jr.

Thomas is still working his way back from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 1. He previously attempted to return only to re-aggravate the injury in practice. Thomas got in some light practice reps this week, but the Giants are being extra cautious with his second attempt at retaking the field. Fellow offensive linemen Evan Neal and John Michael Schmitz are listed as questionable.

Andrew Thomas and Matt Peart were both ruled out. Evan Neal is listed as questionable with an ankle issue. Down most of their starting line, the Giants are in a horrible spot versus the Commanders this week. Whether it’s Tyrod Taylor or Daniel Jones under center, expect the Washington pass-rush to get home early and often in Week 7.

According to reports, Schmitz is likely to miss another game but there is no fear that he will need to go on the IR. The rookie center injured himself in Week 4 against Seattle when the Giants tried their own version of the “Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove,” and has been on the sideline since. Being without him and LT Andrew Thomas could be an issue against Washington’s fierce pass rush on Sunday.

The rookie center injured himself in Week 4 against Seattle when the Giants tried their own version of the “Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove” or whatever you want to call it. With starting left tackle Andrew Thomas also not practicing on Wednesday, the Giants could be down two offensive linemen on Sunday against a Bills defense that ranks fourth in pressure rate and first in knockdowns, which is sacks plus quarterback hits. That could mean a long day for Daniel Jones or Tyrod Taylor under center.

Bellinger was hurt on the Giants’ failed ‘tush push’ attempt late in the game. Giants rookie center John Michael Schmitz was also hurt on the same play, which seems like a relatively simple concept to run, but is apparently not. Both players do not appear likely to suit up on Sunday against the Dolphins, which would further diminish a depleted Giants offensive line.

One of the oldest prospects in the draft class, Schmitz (6'3/301) racked up reps blocking for an uber-productive rushing attack in Minnesota. Don’t overthink his age, though. Schmitz was responsible for guiding even some of the most unremarkable running backs to 1,000-yard seasons. Additionally, offensive linemen have some of the best longevity in the sport, so Schmitz will simply be in the right place at the right time for years to come. While his 6.7 RAS may be cause for concern, he had a remarkable 4.56 shuttle, landing him in the 80th percentile among centers. The tape backs up this time, as his steady yet quick-processing approach to the game served him well throughout his college career. The four-time Academic All-B1G team member is clinical in both the pass and run games. Schmitz has great timing in dropping anchor when he does find the correct position to do so. Rarely losing in the play leverage battle, Schmitz will need to clean up the other aspects of leverage. The lack of agility translates to poor balance at times, but Schmitz’s potential to unlock runs in a zone scheme may be unmatched among his rookie peers.

Schmitz (6'4/320) has played 1,711 snaps over the past three seasons as the starting center for the Gophers. His 88.5 offensive grade in 2021 is the highest grade of his career as the standout snapper didn’t allow a single sack or QB hit all season long. In fact Schmitz has yet to be credited with a sack against him in his entire career. He will anchor an inexperienced Minnesota offensive line that replaces the other four starters besides himself.

The Golden Gophers have been hit hard by absences on both lines, with Schmitz (6'4/315) and G Axel Ruschmeyer both having been ruled out. Also among the players sidelined are starting NT Micah Dew-Treadway, and tight ends Jake Paulson, Ko Kieft and Bryce Witham. Earlier in the week, HC P.J. Fleck said that his team would be down at least 20 players due to COVID-19 concerns, and with there also being “standard” injuries to take into consideration the Gophers are down a total of 33.

As Treash writes, Schmitz (6'4/315) didn’t play much until 2020, but he certainly did impressive once he did hit the field for the Golden Gophers. “Schmitz produced an 83.9 PFF overall grade that ranked third in the FBS,” he writes, “and he was one of five centers who earned grades above 78.0 in both pass protection and as a run-blocker.” As he also notes, there are questions as to whether the redshirt junior will open the year as the starting center, but if someone on the Gophers’ staff is looking at the analytics, he sure should.