Nick Gates was added to the New York Giants’ 53-man roster on Wednesday, 405 days after a horrific left leg injury that many believed would end his career.
Gates fractured his tibia and fibula on that leg and required seven surgeries.
Gates has practiced with the team for the past three weeks, with Wednesday being the last day the Giants had to decide whether or not to activate him.
The Giants officially announced the move Wednesday afternoon.
Here’s head coach Brian Daboll on Gates’ return:
“It’s impressive. I mean, so many operations and so much rehabilitation. You saw it when I came here. Just a testimony for the young man. It takes a lot of perseverance to get through what he has. crossed over and be here. Impressive young man.”
Daboll is not the only coach to have been impressed.
“I have a lot of respect for Nick, what he’s been through,” offensive line coach Bobby Johnson said recently. “A lot of guys wouldn’t have made it, but he did.
“It’s been great to see the respect his teammates have for him.”
The Giants have an open roster spot, so no matching moves will need to be made to free up space for Gates.
Gates admitted when he started practicing a few weeks ago that he sometimes wondered if the work it took to get back was worth it.
“These thoughts – I feel like any hurt you have, it doesn’t matter if it’s this or the other – these thoughts are just natural. I spoke to [Director of Wellness and Clinical Services, Player Engagement] Dr. Lani [Lawrence], our sports psychologist for a bit and she was like, ‘Yeah, that’s normal. It’s part of hurting and it’s part of the process of healing and moving forward,” Gates said.
“I just wanted to play football again to be honest with you. Just being there is fun.
With Ben Bredeson injured on Sunday, Gates is initially expected to be a backup for Josh Ezeudu and Mark Glowinski at guard and Jon Feliciano at center.
Daboll said Monday there was no predetermined role for Gates.
“We’re going to put it there. I think he’s gotten better every day since he’s been there. He looks ready to go. We’ll see where that takes him. Just keep competing; whenever her number is called, be ready,” Daboll said. “He can play in all positions, but we really worked him more at center and guard to come back here. I know he played tackle.
More Injury Updates
The Giants have announced that three players who haven’t practiced this season are back in practice. Offensive tackle Matt Peart, on PUP due to a torn ACL last season, is one. The others are point guard Elerson Smith (foot/ankle) and cornerback Rodarius Williams (knee). Smith and Williams are on injured reserve.
The Giants will now have 21 days to decide whether or not to activate these players.
Wednesday injury report
giants
Did not practice
TE Daniel Bellinger (Eye)
G Ben Bredeson (knee)
CB Cor’Dale Flott (Calf)
WR Kenny Golladay (knee)
T Evan Neal (knee)
WR Kadarius Toney (hamstrings)
LB Oshane Ximines (Quad)
Limited participation
T Tire Phillips (toe)
S Jason Pinnock (Foot)
DL Leonard Williams (elbow)
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