The Giants are signing S Landon Collins, who started his career with the franchise before a stint with Washington. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the team plans to use Collins in more of a LB role, which fits what he last did in Washington before his release. The Giants have also recently added former Bills LB A.J. Klein and signed Jaylon Smith to the active roster ahead of last week's game, then played him for 50% of the snaps. The team is clearly still trying to figure out a plan at LB, which doesn't seem like great news for Tae Crowder. He remained the only non-edge LB playing full time for them against the Bears in Week 4 but has been a limited performer throughout his time as a starter. We'll see how this situation develops. Don't be surprised if it becomes a full-on committee.

Giants LB Tae Crowder (thigh) is active for today's game against the Panthers. The injury gives him some risk, but Crowder remains the top play among Giants ILBs.

The Giants added LB Tae Crowder to the injury report Saturday, listing him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers with a thigh injury. The team also elevated LB Benardrick McKinney from the practice squad. We'll check Crowder's status Sunday morning when the inactives come out. If he's out, Reggie Ragland would likely lead Giants ILBs in playing time.

Giants ILB Tae Crowder (hamstring) is active for today's game against the Falcons. He arrived questionable but is in play for IDP lineups as the Giants' new top off-ball LB after Blake Martinez's ACL tear.

Giants ILB Tae Crowder is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints. He appeared on the injury report Thursday with a hamstring issue that limited him in practice. Crowder managed another limited practice Friday, which is obviously a better sign than if he had sat out. We'll check his status Sunday morning, barring any change up or down before then.

Giants LB Blake Martinez tore his left ACL in Sunday's loss to the Falcons and will miss the rest of the season. That leaves Tae Crowder as the apparent top LB. He played 61 of 62 defensive snaps against Atlanta and led the team with 11 tackles (plus a pass defensed). Reggie Ragland came on for 65% playing time. The Giants might also consider altering S Jabrill Peppers' role, with Martinez down. Peppers has seen his playing time sag amid struggles in coverage, but he would offer above-average speed at LB and spent a season at the position at the end of college. Martinez will still be just 28 when next season begins, but his contract plus the injury could leave the Giants with an offseason decision to make. The final year on his deal carries a $14.2 million cap hit, according to Spotrac, vs. $5.5 million in dead money if New York trades or releases Martinez.

Giants LB Blake Martinez is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. He missed practice Wednesday and Friday, surrounding a limited Thursday workout -- after leaving last week's win over the Seahawks with a back injury. If Martinez is out, LB Tae Crowder gains IDP upside.

Giants LB Blake Martinez left Sunday's win over the Seahawks in the 4th quarter with a back injury and did not return. We'll see about his status heading into Week 14. If Martinez misses further time, Tae Crowder and Devante Downs would be the ILBs. Crowder started alongside Martinez at Seattle.

The Giants have placed rookie LB Tae Crowder on IR with the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's win over Washington. That will keep the rookie out for at least 3 games. He's not worth holding in IDP leagues. The team filled Crowder's spot on the roster by signing Jabaal Sheard off Jacksonville's practice squad. Sheard will line up at OLB for the Giants but might carry DL eligibility in many IDP leagues. That makes him worth watching. The Giants recently lost starting OLB Lorenzo Carter for the season to an Achilles' tendon tear. Kyler Fackrell has become a full-time player at the position in recent weeks, but Markus Golden has struggled to stay in the lineup. Sheard's addition might also mean that Oshane Ximines will need more time to recover from the shoulder injury that landed him on IR 2 weeks ago.