Mark Herzlich Will Also Work at Tight End; J.T. Thomas Injury Update

Mark Herzlich – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MARK HERZLICH WILL ALSO WORK AT TIGHT END…
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich has revealed that the reason he changed his jersey number from #94 to #44 was so he could also play tight end on offense. The coaching staff asked Herzlich to also learn the offense this offseason.

“I needed to have an eligible number,” said Herzlich. “It’s exciting. A lot of times I’m playing scout-team tight end the last couple of years just because we were low in numbers and I was able to show I could be versatile in that aspect. So, when it’s, ‘Hey, you want to come add another weapon to your repertoire?’ It’s, ‘Yeah, sure, sign me up.’ The more I can learn, the better. And the better I can help out, the better, too… We’ll see what Coach (Ben) McAdoo puts me at, but I can go back and forth and learn both (offense and defense). I anticipate helping out in all three phases (including special teams).”

“He’s that good from what I see every day in practice,” fellow linebacker Keenan Robinson said. “He can run routes with the best of them. He can block better than probably most of them. He’s just a versatile athlete. He’s got the size and frame, so that helps, also.”

J.T. THOMAS STILL RECOVERING FROM HIS KNEE INJURY…
New York Giants linebacker J.T. Thomas, who missed virtually all of the 2016 NFL season after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, is still recovering from the injury.

“I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m at about 75-80 percent. I’ll be ready to go in training camp,” Thomas said. “I’m really, really trying to time the thing up, so when that light comes on Sunday there isn’t any excuses why you won’t see #55 on the field.”

Thomas was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. The Bears waived him in August 2013 and he was claimed off of waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Giants signed Thomas in March 2015. In 2015 with the Giants, Thomas played in 12 games with 11 starts, missing four games with an ankle injury.

Thomas currently has the team’s 10th largest 2017 cap hit with $4 million.

Darian Thompson (foot) said he's "pretty close" to going full-speed. He's waiting for green light from staff. "We have plenty of time."

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 10, 2017

GIANTS.COM PLAYER INTERVIEWS…
Video clips of exclusive Giants.com interviews with the following players are available at Giants.com:

• QB Eli Manning (Video)
• WR Sterling Shepard (Video)

ARTICLES…

• Eli wins at football and philanthropy by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record
• How Ben McAdoo helped convince Geno Smith to choose Giants by James Kratch for NJ.com
• Giants cool down their Davis Webb hype by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post
• The Giants’ other quarterback is ready to compete for the backup job by Dan Duggan for NJ.com
• Paul Perkins ready for starting role in second season by Dan Salomone of Giants.com
• How this ‘progressive’ Giant has impressed Brandon Marshall by James Kratch for NJ.com
• John Mara, Giants owner, stands by Odell Beckham, believes Brandon Marshall could have positive impact by Seth Walder of The Daily News
• Giants’ top pick Evan Engram has to buck trend to be significant factor as rookie by Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com
• Justin Pugh believes Giants’ offensive line will improve despite few changes by Dan Duggan for NJ.com
• Why David Diehl says Giants’ Ereck Flowers, Bobby Hart could be ‘pleasant surprise’ by James Kratch for NJ.com
• Why Giants’ Justin Pugh is feeling good about his next contract by Dan Duggan for NJ.com
• Why signing a veteran free agent could be in the Giants’ near future by Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com
• Why Evan Engram won’t be only 1st round pick at Giants minicamp by James Kratch for NJ.com