Giants’ Joe Judge implies Shane Lemieux could return this season

New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux underwent surgery to repair a partially torn patellar tendon earlier this week, and reports suggested he would miss the remainder of the season.

Not so fast.

Although Lemieux will miss the regular-season, Giants head coach Joe Judge left the door open for a potential playoff return for the 24-year-old. You know, assuming the Giants make it that far.

“It might not be season-ending,” Judge told reporters on Thursday. “I wouldn’t rule out anything as far as a return this year.”

The likelihood of this Giants team making the playoffs is slim-to-none. The likelihood of Lemieux returning even if they do is equally as unlikely. Still, it’s more optimistic news than what was shared on captain Nick Gates.

Although Gates’ agent was far more encouraged about his future, Judge acknowledged that the offensive lineman’s injuries (fractured tibia, fibula) could be career-ending.

The reality for both Gates and Lemieux is that 2021 is over for each and they should focus on returning for the 2022 season.