Giants' David Diehl to return to left tackle in place of injured Will Beatty

John O'Boyle/The Star-LedgerWith Will Beatty likely out at least a few games with a detached retina, the Giants will slide David Diehl from left guard to left tackle. Kevin Boothe will likely take Diehl's spot at guard.

The Giants will slide Diehl from left guard to left tackle starting Thursday, when they return to practice, according to someone informed of the team's plans to replace Beatty. The person requested anonymity because the Giants haven't divulged their juggled offensive line yet.

Diehl spent most of the past four seasons as the Giants' starting left tackle, beginning with the run to the Super Bowl in 2007 after the team released Luke Petitgout. Diehl remained the left tackle until a nagging ankle injury to center Shaun O'Hara resulted in a shuffling of the line last season, with Diehl landing at left guard and Shawn Andrews at left tackle.

Andrews was released in the offseason. The Giants signed his brother, Stacy, who is a backup tackle. But the Giants plan to lean on Diehl's experience to maintain continuity as much as possible on such short notice.

Diehl's move to tackle likely means Kevin Boothe will make the start at left guard. Boothe has made starts at center and right guard this season.