Concerning Injury Update Emerges on Key Giants Lineman

New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz did not practice Saturday after leaving Friday’s session with an apparent injury.

“Didn’t spot C John Michael Schmitz or DL Anquin Barnes at practice,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported on X (formerly Twitter). “Both left early yesterday. Schmitz likely in the concussion protocol.”

Saturday was the Giants’ final practice of camp in West Virginia, after which they will travel back home to New Jersey.

 

Bryan Hudson Took First-Team Reps at Center

Head coach John Harbaugh gave a concerning update on Schmitz following Friday’s practice, telling reporters that the 27-year-old “got his bell rung” after a collision. With Schmitz sidelined, Bryan Hudson handled first-team reps at center.

Backup Lucas Patrick (knee) also was out.

With both players’ health in question, New York signed free agent center Brenden Jaimes, whom the team worked out earlier this week. Jaimes has appeared in 50 games over five seasons, mostly with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Giants will open the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 15 at home.

 

Giants Lineman Received Poor Marks from PFF

Schmitz has battled injuries and inconsistency since the Giants drafted him in the second round (57th overall) out of Minnesota in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman started 13 games at center in 2025 before landing on season-ending injured reserve in December with a finger injury.

Pro Football Focus ranked Schmitz 29th out of 40 eligible centers with a grade of 60.8. His run-blocking grade ranked 22nd at the position, while his pass-blocking grade came in at 28th.

All told, Schmitz allowed 14 total pressures and one sack. He was also flagged for four penalties.

The lack of production has put his future with the Giants in question.

“Across his three seasons in the NFL, Schmitz has yet to prove he’s worthy of being the entrenched starter, having never surpassed a 62.0 overall PFF grade for a season,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote. “Coming into the final year of his contract, Schmitz will have to take a major step forward in 2026 to warrant an extension.”

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