Levine

Toilolo

Toilolo was working off to the side when the Achilles’ popped, and he had to be carted to the locker room. The blocking specialist played 275 offensive snaps for the Giants last season. He turned 30 years old last weekend.

Initially set to make $2.95 million this upcoming year, the Giants probably would’ve moved on from Toilolo altogether had he not agreed to a restructured deal. He’ll continue to be used sparingly as the team’s third-string option in 2021.

Engram’s status for Sunday night is now very much in doubt. Giants TE Kaden Smith, who played in Engram’s place late last year, is also questionable with a knee injury. Smith could shape up as a desperation streamer this week against Cleveland if Engram is sidelined with the calf issue. Both Engram and Smith missing Week 15 would make Levine Toilolo the only healthy tight end on New York’s roster.

Toilolo (6-8, 268) is expected to fill the void left behind by Rhett Ellison as the team’s primary blocking tight end. 29 in July, the eighth-year inline option merely brought in two receptions in that very same role with the Niners just last year.

Toilolo actually led all Lions tight ends with 263 yards receiving last season, managing 21 catches and a touchdown. He’s not a weapon in the pass game, however, as his 6'8/268 frame is best used as a blocker. Coach Kyle Shanahan coached Toilolo in Atlanta.

Slow as molasses, Toilolo somehow became the Lions’ primary pass-catching tight end down the stretch. Today’s touchdown was just his fourth in the past four years. Going on 28, Toilolo is headed back to free agency.

Somehow Toilolo, a 6'8,” 268-pound behemoth most known for his blocking prowess, led all receivers with a game-high 90 yards, which is more than he had in his first 11 games combined. The 90 yards were easily a career-high for the former Falcon, who did most of his damage (three catches for 80 yards) with Detroit trailing in the second half. Despite Sunday’s blow-up, Toilolo won’t be a steaming consideration against the Cardinals in Week 14.

Toilolo checks in at a towering 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, but is expected to be used primarily as a blocker as a rookie. Coach Mike Smith views him as a potential option in the red zone, however. Toilolo isn’t expected to be Tony Gonzalez’s long-term replacement as a seam-stretching tight end, but could emerge on the fantasy scene if he establishes himself inside the 20-yard line.

Considering Toilolo’s build -- 6-foot-8, 260 -- they’re impressive indications of straight-line vertical speed. Toilolo also has left tackle-like 34 1/2-inch arms and room to develop into a high-impact run blocker. Last season, Toilolo was a much better blocker than more heralded teammate Zach Ertz.

Toilolo — who’s a mountainous 6-foot-8, 260 pounds — was drafted primarily for his blocking ability, but scored four touchdowns his final year at Stanford. “Obviously, his efficiency in the red-zone is well documented,” Smith said. “To throw the ball to a guy in the red-zone, you want to make sure he’s going to catch the ball. I think that kind of says what kind of hands he has.” Toilolo is unlikely to be Tony Gonzalez’s heir apparent, but could come into some fantasy value as a plug-and-play TE2.