Nat

Berhe

Berhe was limited to four games before landing on IR last year. He’s healthy but hasn’t had any interest this offseason. Berhe should land a non-guaranteed deal before training camp.

CB Brian Allen was promoted from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Berhe played a handful of snaps on defense the last couple weeks, but his loss will primarily be felt on special teams.

Berhe probably would have opened last season in the starting lineup if not for a calf injury he suffered in training camp. Now healthy, he will get the first crack to win the job. Bennett Jackson (ACL), Mykkele Thompson (Achilles’), Cooper Taylor (sports hernia) and third-round rookie Darian Thompson will all get looks as well.

This is even with third-round rookie Darian Thompson (shoulder) likely to be active. Berhe likely would have opened last season as the starter if not for a calf injury he suffered in training camp. It is likely Thompson takes over the starting job at some point, but Berhe will get the nod this week.

He complained of a headache and not feeling well on Wednesday. With Berhe likely to miss this week and Darian Thompson out with a foot injury, the Giants are incredibly thin at safety. CB Leon Hall should see some time there this week.

“At this point, I’m 25,” Berhe said. “I’ve been playing the game since I was in high school. Whatever’s going to happen is going to happen, if it hasn’t already happened.” Whoa. Perhaps Berhe is still upset he was not able to play in the final six games including the playoffs after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 12, but these statements are shocking considering what we know about the long-term effects of concussions. As for his future with the Giants, who he is still under contract with for another season, Berhe said, “We’ll see what happens.”

It’s the worst possible news for a reserve who already missed weeks with a concussion earlier this season. Berhe is probably headed to injured reserve.

Taylor got the majority of snaps at free safety with Nat Berhe (calf) sidelined. Taylor likely would have worked with the second team had Berhe been healthy. Berhe remains the favorite to start opposite rookie SS Landon Collins.

Berhe started 41 games for San Diego State but will have to earn a roster spot as a special teams contributor in a deep Giants defensive backfield.

Berhe (5-foot-10 1/2, 193) was a 41-game starter for the Aztecs, leading the team in tackles as a senior (94) and three times earning All-Mountain West recognition. He played a linebacker-safety hybrid position for SDSU. Berhe was a solid college starter, but is speed (4.71) and size deficient for an NFL safety. He’ll likely have to earn his keep on special teams.