Tyre Phillips didn’t have to throw out any Eagles gear this week because he left it all in his locker in Philadelphia when the Giants called.
A surprise cut by the Giants at the end of training camp after he was initially penciled into the same swing-tackle role that he filled last season, Phillips is back from a six-week stay on the Eagles practice squad under legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
He re-signed with the Giants and actually could start at right tackle Sunday against the Commanders if Evan Neal (ankle) is sidelined.
“I had a chance to go down there and not worry about the game plan — just focus and develop — at what they would call ‘Stout University,’” Phillips said. “It was things about how to incorporate different styles of play … learn how to focus on your body and how to bring it to the game that would best benefit Tyre and the five [linemen].”
Phillips reverted into some old “bad habits” on the field during camp, a source told The Post, but it was still a surprise when the Giants kept Matt Peart and moved guard Josh Ezeudu to tackle instead of sticking with last season’s five-game fill-in starter.
“It shows true professionalism on how not to burn bridges,” Phillips said of coming back to the Giants. “It’s a business, nothing personal. If you go out and say bad things about the organization, obviously they wouldn’t bring me back. I stayed down and waited my turn.”
The Giants have plenty of turns to offer.
Seven of their initial nine offensive linemen are dealing with injuries now that left guard Shane Lemieux (one start) is likely out for the season due to a torn biceps suffered in Wednesday’s practice.
It’s the third straight season cut short by serious injury (knee, toe, biceps) for Lemieux, who has played just six total games since showing promise in nine starts as a rookie in 2020.
Two linemen are on injured reserve (Lemieux and Ezeudu), three have not practiced in two weeks or longer (Andrew Thomas, John Michael Schmitz and Peart) and the two healthy options (Ben Bredeson and Marcus McKethan) both dealt with injuries earlier in the season.
The Giants filled Lemieux’s spot by signing Sean Harlow (34 career games, eight starts) off of the Cowboys’ practice squad.
Harlow is the fourth offensive lineman added to the 53-man roster off of a practice squad — joining Phillips, Joshua Miles (Falcons) and Justin Pugh (Giants) — in the last three days.
In the scenario where the Giants start Pugh, Mark Glowinski, Bredeson, McKethan and Phillips (left to right) against the Commanders, the line would have just two Week 1 starters (Glowinski and Bredeson) — neither of whom is in the same position as the season opener.
But Phillips already is comfortable with the playbook and scheme, so how much has changed since he left?
“Not much at all,” Phillips said. “I feel like I’ll be prepared.”
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left tackle Jordan Mailata and Stoutland all contacted Phillips to offer congratulations on his opportunity to apply what he learned across the NFC East rivalry.
“The message was different, in styles that I never heard,” Phillips said. “Going up to [Eagles stars] Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, just picking their minds. I’m a sponge. It was a blessing.”
Read more
