Commander Country

Commanders get reprieve as key Giants player ruled out

The Washington Commanders won't have to face one of the top New York Giants players in Week 1.
Jeremy Brener|
NFL New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas
NFL New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas | Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are about to kick off their season against the NFC East rival New York Giants.

While everyone on the field is making their 2025 debuts, the Commanders are holding a few players out in the game.

READ MORE: How to watch Commanders vs Giants: TV channel, livestream, kickoff time

Commanders inactives

The Commanders had a clean bill of health this week with zero players being ruled out in Friday's injury report. This means all of the players chosen by the Commanders are healthy scratches.

The biggest surprise on the inactive list is Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was listed as the No. 3 running back coming into the game. This means rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt could see more playing time.

Here's a look at who the Giants are sitting for the game:

Giants inactives

Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, defensive back Beau Brade, offensive tackle Evan Neal, tight end Thomas Fidone II, defensive lineman Darius Alexander and Jameis Winston (3rd QB) will be out for the Giants in Week 1.

The biggest name on the list is Thomas, a former first-round pick, who was listed as doubtful to play with a foot injury. The offensive tackle was expected to protect Russell Wilson, but that will have to wait until Week 2 at the earliest.

The Commanders need to take advantage of Thomas' absence on the offensive line, forcing Wilson into some errant throws.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers did not practice on Friday for the Giants with a back injury, but he is available for New York against Washington.

Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. ET inside Northwest Stadium.

READ MORE: Giants star sent a 6-word promise to his friend with Commanders

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders have a plan for Giants' most dangerous weapon

• Jayden Daniels has a simple answer for those worried about Commanders

• Commanders' Dan Quinn praises Giants defensive line

• 'You just never know': Commanders OC on the team's first big test

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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