Giants LT Nate Solder out for OTAs, mincamp after ankle surgery

May 17 (UPI) -- New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder is expected to miss off-season OTAs and minicamp after having ankle surgery.

Sources told NFL Network that Solder recently underwent the arthroscopic surgery to clean out his ankle after dealing with bone spurs. The procedure was not considered major and he is expected to return to the team by training camp in July or August.

Solder, 31, rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle in the NFL in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus. He started all 16 games last season for the Giants after signing a four-year, $62 million deal in free agency. The 6-foot-8, 325-pound offensive lineman also started all 16 games in his final season with the New England Patriots in 2017.

Solder played his first seven seasons in New England after being selected out of Colorado as the No. 17 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Chad Wheeler is likely to stand in for first-team reps at practice in Solder's absence. The Giants also have Brian Mihalik and Victor Salako as capable backups. Mike Remmers is likely to start at right tackle.

The Giants begin OTA off-season workouts Monday and start mandatory minicamp June 4.