Kiwanuka takes some snaps at linebacker
Undated file photo of Mathias Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka and the Giants agreed to terms on a two-year deal. Credit: Getty Images
ALBANY - Look who's at linebacker now!
Mathias Kiwanuka, who came into training camp figuring on competing for a job as a starting defensive end, took some snaps at linebacker in yesterday's practice when the Giants went with a look called "big base." That formation had four defensive linemen and Kiwanuka roaming the field in coverage and rushing the passer from a two-point stance.
Kiwanuka played linebacker in 2007. He'd probably still be one had Osi Umenyiora not injured his knee two preseasons ago, forcing him to move back to his natural position. "We'll see how far we go with it," Kiwanuka said. "From what Perry [Fewell] said, he's going to try to use everybody to their strengths and get a lot of different matchups, a lot of different looks. This should be just the beginning of it."
Kiwanuka said in the offseason that he sees himself as a defensive end. But he said now that he's in camp, that kind of goal is put aside. He even sounded excited to be playing a little linebacker.
"Put me on the field and I'll make a play," he said. "That's how I look at it."
Smith day-to-day
WR Steve Smith was diagnosed with a mildly strained groin and is considered day-to-day after pulling up lame in Friday's practice. "It's just weak right now," he said. "I have to get it stronger." He said he did not have an MRI and that there are no plans to have one . . . G Rich Seubert is in wait-and-see mode with the broken bone in his left hand. It will re-evaluated in about five days to see if he'll need surgery or just rest . . . The Giants waived injured OL Reuben Riley (MCL) and added Cliff Louis, who was here in camp last year.
