The New York Giants are dealing with injuries at the center position right now. Starter John Michael Schmitz is out with a concussion. Veteran backup Lucas Patrick has been limited all summer by a knee issue, and missed several recent practices.
That has left the Giants with 2025 practice squad players Bryan Hudson and Jake Kubas at center, along with recently-signed veteran Brenden Jaimes.
Some might think this would be the perfect opportunity to see second-year offensive lineman Marcus Mbow get some reps at the center position. The 2025 fifth-round pick was thought to have five-position flexibility when the Giants drafted him. To date, though, he has played only tackle.
Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren revealed on Thursday that the Giants did look at Mbow at center during the spring. Briefly. As in, for one practice.
“It’s [Mbow at center] been talked about in the building,” Bloomgren said. “There was a day in OTAs where he took some snaps or snapped the ball a little bit.
“Right now, he’s more comfortable playing tackle. And I’m pretty comfortable with what he’s doing out there.”
So, maybe down the line Mbow will get a real look at center. Not now.
Schmitz will return from his concussion soon. Patrick is a capable backup, if healthy. If he isn’t healthy, Hudson and perhaps Kubas will get chances to prove they can be the No. 2 center.
If the Giants find them wanting, maybe they look outside the current roster for an answer.
Could that be former Giant starting guard Greg Van Roten, who has some center experience? Perhaps.
It is clear, though, that the answer won’t be Mbow. Not this season.