Jonathan

Goff

Coughlin said Thomas is doing “very well” in his rehab. The 27-year-old has made it clear that his preference is to return to the Super Bowl champs. Goff is expected back on a short-term, low-risk contract.

A 16-game starter for the Giants in 2010, Goff missed all of 2011 with a torn right ACL. The Giants had interest in re-signing him, but Goff drew decent interest, visiting the Dolphins and Browns in addition to Washington. One of the league’s better run defenders in 2010, Goff — who is still only 26 — provides the Redskins with some high-upside insurance at inside linebacker.

The Giants were expected to try to re-sign Goff on a short-term, low-risk contract as he recovers from ACL surgery. Goff and his agent are looking for something more substantial.

The Redskins are still expected to re-sign London Fletcher, but Goff would provide much-needed depth on the inside. The Giants appear to have no interest in bringing him back.

We knew Groves and Guyton were scheduled to visit Miami. It now looks like the Dolphins aim to sign one backup linebacker from the group of four working out. Goff’s only other reported visit was to Cleveland three weeks ago.

A 16-game starter in 2010, Goff tore his right ACL in September and missed the entire season. Goff, 26, was one of the league’s better two-down inside ‘backers the previous year, and he’s got more value to the Giants than anywhere else. We suspect he’ll re-sign, but be forced to compete for the job in camp.

Goff re-tore his right ACL in training camp. It’s a crushing blow for the 2008 fifth-rounder, who didn’t play a 2011 snap for the Giants after tearing his ACL on the eve of Week 1. Goff’s career appeared to be on the upswing following a 16-start 2010 where he made 80 tackles and one sack. Goff was set to back up London Fletcher and Perry Riley at inside linebacker for the Redskins.

Sixth-round pick Greg Jones is expected to get the first shot at taking Goff’s place in the starting lineup. Goff started all 16 games for the Giants a season ago, racking up 80 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. The 2008 fifth-round pick will be a free agent at season’s end.

Goff is the most veteran of the competitors, so it’s not a surprise that he’s running with the ones for now. Rookie Phillip Dillard and perhaps athletic Bryan Kehl, however, will get opportunities as well. The winner of the job may only be a two-down linebacker, limiting his upside in IDP leagues.

Goff, who showed outstanding durability by starting 40 straight games at Vanderbilt, lined up in the middle during OTAs. Perhaps he’ll push Antonio Pierce in a few years, but Goff will strictly play special teams as a rookie.