Mark

Herzlich

Fewell did say he anticipates “competition” at MIKE, naming Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones, and Keith Rivers as Blackburn’s competitors. Blackburn is more of a fill-in, replacement-level middle linebacker, though he is an adequate run stuffer. It sounds like Michael Boley is staying on the weak side for now.

Herzlich started two games in the middle before an ankle injured ended his season in Week 12. The Giants have since re-signed Chase Blackburn and have also talked about moving Michael Boley to the middle. The odds are now stacked against Herzlich emerging as the starter.

The Giants appear set to let free agents Chase Blackburn and Jonathan Goff walk, while Mark Herzlich is an injury question mark and 2011 sixth-round pick Greg Jones proved unready to be a starter as a rookie. A career outside linebacker, Boley’s 93 tackles last season were his most since arriving in New York in 2009. His production could skyrocket if moved to the middle.

Michael Boley (hamstring) is practicing this week, so Herzlich would have headed back to a special teams role had he been healthy. He’s in a walking boot, a sign that his condition is week-to-week.

Herzlich said after the game that he believes he’s fine, and his X-rays came back negative so we’re optimistic he’ll suit up next week. After getting gashed for 49 points by the Saints, the Giants will need all hands on deck next week against the Packers.

Herzlich is a natural SAM linebacker but will slide over and fill in for injured weak-side ‘backer Michael Boley (hamstring). Jacquian Williams is expected to rotate snaps and Spencer Paysinger will back up and provide depth at both positions.

The special teamer suffered a severely sprained ankle while filling in for Michael Boley on Nov. 28.

Blackburn went down in a heap, and appeared to suffer a pretty significant pull. He was able to walk off under his own power, but the fact he was ruled out so quickly doesn’t bode well for his Week 9 status. Mark Herzlich is now in the game at middle linebacker. Blackburn had five tackles before departing.

Normal starter Chase Blackburn is battling a hamstring injury. It’s another chance for Herzlich, who started two games last season but lost his job after he sustained a high-ankle sprain. The inspirational cancer survivor has never recorded more than four tackles in an NFL game.

Herzlich and Dan Connor are competing for the job. Either one would be an upgrade on departed Chase Blackburn. During Wednesday’s practice, Herzlich was flanked by Spencer Paysinger and Keith Rivers at outside ‘backer.