In need of healthy options at the offensive tackle spot, the Giants are set to make an outside addition. Chris Hubbard is being added off the 49ers’ practice squad, head coach Brian Daboll said on Friday.
Andrew Thomas is out for the year due to his recent surgery on a Lisfranc injury. Joshua Ezeudu will take over starting blindside duties in his place, but Hubbard will represent an experienced option as at least a depth option moving forward. The 33-year-old has 94 appearances and 58 starts to his name.
Much of Hubbard’s playing time has come at right tackle, but he has seen sparse usage along the blindside during his career. After beginning his NFL tenure in the AFC North (four years with the Steelers followed by five with the Browns), the former UDFA spent a single campaign in Tennessee. Hubbard would up making nine starts at right tackle last year, although he was not able to land a free agent deal during the early portion of the offseason.
In mid-May, the 49ers added Hubbard as part of their effort to land capable options up front. The UAB product was ultimately let go as part of San Francisco’s final roster cuts, however. Hubbard was retained in short order on a practice squad deal, but he has yet to see time on the active roster this season. That will change upon arrival in New York.
The 2-4 Giants have struggled on offense, and losing Thomas will deal a major blow to the unit. If Hubbard winds up landing playing time with his new team, though, he could stabilize one of the tackle positions on a temporary basis. Doing so could help his market value ahead of next offseason.