The GIants have placed LB Gerris Wilkinson on the season-ending injured reserve list. Wilkinson, who had surgery on Monday after dislocating his right wrist in Sunday's 21-20 loss to San Diego, has been unable to put together a full season due to various injuries since being drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He is in the final year of his contract and with Michael Boley and Bryan Kehl in front of him on the depth chart, it's not likely that the Giants will bring him back after his contract expires.
Taking Wilkinson's place on the 53-man roster is CB Dominique "DJ" Johnson, a 6-2, 200-pounds rookie out of Jackson State who was on the Denver practice squad. Johnson, who transferred from Missouri after starting four games as a redshirt sophomore in 2006, was a A 2008 first-team All-SWAC pick after having intercepted 10 passes and deflecting 27 in his first two seasons with the Tigers.
Although the Giants seem pretty much set at corner, my gut feeling is that they brought Johnson on board not only because they play Denver in two weeks, but more importantly because he is a playmakerwho also happens to have experience playing free safety. He also was a standout on special teams for Missouri State, where he played prior to transferring to Jackson State.
I'll have more news after practice and the interviews, which get started in about an hour. Today we're getting the assistant coaches as well so there should be lots to talk about not just today but throughout the rest of the bye week.
