New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas was held out of the fourth quarter in Sunday’s 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, despite clearing a concussion evaluation on the sideline. Thomas was removed from the field after being detected by an independent concussion spotter and underwent protocol testing before being ruled clear. However, Giants coaches elected to keep the Pro Bowl lineman on the bench for the remainder of the game.

Thomas, who has been playing through a groin injury and has seen limited practice time recently, said he was eager to return but did not receive a detailed explanation for the decision. “That was the coach’s decision,” Thomas said. “I listen to what the coach says.” Rookie J.C. Davis replaced Thomas at left tackle in his first NFL appearance.

The Giants faced multiple injury setbacks in addition to Thomas’s removal. Cornerback Greg Newsome II left the game with a concussion and did not return. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was sidelined with a neck injury, limiting the team to just three healthy receivers. Right guard Sisi Mauigoa required a postgame X-ray for an unspecified issue but expressed optimism about returning soon. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was a surprise scratch due to a calf injury, leading to Marcus Mbow starting in his place.

On defense, Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington shared safety duties alongside Jevòn Holland, with Tyler Nubin sidelined due to a neck injury. Pinnock notably forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter when the Giants trailed 34-10, sparking a momentum shift during the team’s attempted comeback.

The Giants’ offense showed increased pace after quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered the game with 11:31 remaining, replacing Jameis Winston following Winston’s second interception. McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, added 26 yards rushing, threw one touchdown pass, and threw one interception. His 243 fourth-quarter passing yards were the second-highest in a single quarter by a Giants quarterback, trailing only Eli Manning’s 254 yards in the fourth quarter of a 2011 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite their late rally, the Giants were unable to overcome the Saints, falling short by a touchdown in a contest marked by injuries and cautious management of key players.