For the second straight season, J.T. Thomas won’t make it out of September because of an injury. The Giants placed the veteran linebacker on IR, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post (on Twitter), potentially ending his season.
The Giants also waived fullback Shane Smith. Linebacker Deontae Skinner and defensive end Nordly Capi will replace the duo on the 53-man roster, per Schwartz (on Twitter).
Thomas signed a three-year, $12MM deal in 2015 but did not live up to it largely because of lack of availability. The former Jaguars linebacker started 11 games that season but has played in just three since.
His deal expiring after this season, the 29-year-old second-level defender won’t have the same kind of free agent market he did when he inked the Giants accord. He accepted a significant pay cut before the season, reducing his 2017 salary from $2.96MM to $775K. He was set to receive a $400K bonus if he participated in 70 percent of the Giants’ snaps, which looked like a long shot at the time.
Skinner played in four games with the Giants last season.
But no O lineman?
Reese said they do not need one!!