John

Greco

Patrick Omameh signed with the Giants in June but will be moved to the bench for horrendously poor play. Greco, who’s started the last four games at center, will slide over to guard. Spencer Pulley will take over at center. There’s no guarantee this will improve New York’s shoddy pass pro, but anything is worth trying over the team’s current situation.

Acquired last summer from St. Louis in exchange for a 2012 seventh-round pick, Greco appeared in 15 games, playing primarily on special teams. He has run-blocking potential, but through four NFL seasons has only four starts.

Pinkston is out for the season with a blood clot in his lung, but Greco has more than held his own. In three starts, the 2008 Rams third-rounder has made Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week twice.

He’s currently in the hospital and will be replaced by John Greco against the Colts. Greco is a formidable run blocker, so the drop-off won’t be a back breaker for Trent Richardson’s Week 7 outlook. Pinkston, a second-year player, has graded out as a top-25 overall guard through six games, per Pro Football Focus.

Lauvao is questionable to return. He’s been replaced by John Greco.

Greco, 28, started ten games in place of injured LG Jason Pinkston last season, and he was easily the team’s best guard. He’s a mauling run blocker, and is entering a contract year. Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao are rotating at left guard.

If Greco plays as well as he did in 2012, it’s a steal of a deal for the Browns, who also protected themselves by making the deal worth just $6 million over five seasons if Greco loses his starting job. Just $3 million of the pact is guaranteed. Greco is expected to be Cleveland’s starting left guard this season. Shawn Lauvao and Jason Pinkston are competing to start at right guard.

The injury is being called a “minor” MCL sprain. Greco, who has played virtually every snap for the Browns this season, went down in the second quarter and did not return. He was replaced by Jason Pinkston. It’s unclear if he’ll be available for Week 15.

Injured in Week 12, Greco would be facing a 12-month timetable if he needs a Lisfranc operation. The veteran interior lineman is signed for $975,000 next season. He turns 32 in March.

It is an aggressive goal after Greco underwent Lisfranc surgery in mid-December. He is more likely to open camp on the PUP list, but he could be ready for Week 1. LG Joel Bitonio is also recovering from Lisfranc surgery.