The New York Giants have placed linebacker Devon Kennard on injured reserve heading into this weekend's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. The move creates a roster spot for Odell Beckham Jr., whose one-game suspension for his behavior against the Carolina Panthers, has now been served.
Kennard, a second-year player, has been dealing with foot and hamstring issues. As recently as last week, Kennard was still seen wearing a walking boot. A 2014 fifth-round pick, Kennard is a player the Giants would like to have become a cornerstone of their defense. The problem is injuries. He came out of USC with a lengthy injury history, part of the reason he was still available in Round 5. Those injuries have continued to plague him with the Giants.
He played in 12 games as a rookie, missing games with hamstring and toe injuries. This season, hamstring and foot injuries have limited him to just nine games. Thus, he has played only 21 of 32 games in his two seasons.
Kennard will be the 19th player currently on IR for the Giants, per Spotrac. Only the Baltimore Ravens (20) have more.