Nikita

Whitlock

He was carted off in the second half. The extent of his injury is unclear, though the timing couldn’t be worse with Whitlock fighting for a roster spot. Whitlock was a strong lead blocker last year but was made expendable when the Giants signed Will Johnson to a two-year deal this offseason.

It’s irrelevant, as Whitlock is on I.R. with a foot injury. It does put him one failed test away from a two-year ban, however. Whitlock is merely a decent lead blocker who can’t afford these kinds of slip ups.

NJ.com reports the injury is not a long-term concern. A second-year UDFA, Whitlock was one of the league’s better lead blockers this season. Amazingly, he also saw time at defensive tackle, playing 63 snaps on defense. Also a special teamer, Whitlock should keep his roster spot for 2016.

Whitlock was one of the better lead blockers in the league last season while also playing 63 snaps at defensive tackle. He has reportedly been putting on weight this offseason in preparation for a bigger role on defense, and the signing of Johnson indicates the Giants are committed to the switch. After earning solid pass-rush grades from Pro Football Focus last season, Whitlock should settle in as an interior rusher in sub packages.