EAST RUTHERFORD -- Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh found a home at left guard when he was moved to the position in 2015. Pugh was playing at a Pro Bowl level last season before being sidelined for five games by a knee injury and he's set to cash in as a free agent after this season based on his work at guard.

But Pugh was moved to right tackle early in Monday's 24-10 loss to the Lions and he's willing to stay at the position.

"I love what I've been able to do at guard, but at the same time, I want to win games," Pugh said. "So if I'm out there at right tackle, I'm going to go out there and do my job. I'm going to go out there and battle. I've always said this: You put on my film and I'm not the most technically sound guy, but I'm going to go out there and I'm going to fight that guy across from me."

Pugh was forced to return to the position he played in his first two NFL seasons two plays into Monday's game when right tackle Bobby Hart re-aggravated an ankle injury. Pugh was understandably rusty after getting no work at tackle all offseason.

"You can put the film on, there were a few there I wish I could get back," Pugh said. "A couple of those little nuances that I've forgotten since I haven't been out there in a long time, but I'm looking forward to getting back out and getting a good practice in (on Thursday) and getting ready to go."

It's unclear if Hart will be ready to return for Sunday's crucial game against the Eagles. But Hart sat out Tuesday's walk-through practice and he clearly wasn't physically ready to play on Monday night.

Coach Ben McAdoo has no intentions of revealing who will start at right tackle on Sunday.

"It would be dumb for me to answer that question" McAdoo said. "We're going to take a look at all of our players. We're going to put the best five out there. Wherever they line up is where they line up."

When Hart gets healthy, there's no guarantee that Pugh will return to left guard. The Giants could be forced to make a change at left tackle if Ereck Flowers continues to struggle and Pugh could be an option.

Pugh, who was a first-round pick in 2013, was a three-year starter at left tackle at Syracuse.

"I played left tackle in college for four years, never playing on the right side until I got to the NFL," Pugh said. "That was a wake-up call for me. But I played two years in the NFL at right tackle, so I feel very comfortable at both spots. Obviously, the left side has been my home for most of my career, but right side, you've got to go out and play."

Pugh, who is the de facto leader of the offensive line, has been steadfast in his belief that his position group can turn things around.

"I think I speak for the offensive line when I say we're going to go out there and we're going to keep fighting," Pugh said. "So stick with us. Don't turn your backs on us just yet. Give us a chance here."

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.