Ben McAdoo: Josh Johnson adds “competition” for Ryan Nassib

The big news of the day for the New York Giants on Monday was the addition of third quarterback Josh Johnson, which led to the team releasing linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Coach Ben McAdoo said Monday afternoon that the Giants wanted to create “competition” for backup quarterback Ryan Nassib.

“We have four quarterbacks here. We’re going to give Ryan (Nassib) a little bit of competition with Josh (Johnson). He’s a good player. He’s been around the block,” McAdoo said. “It’ll bring out the best in both of them.”

This will be the first time since 2013 that the Giants keep a third quarterback on the roster.

“I’m comfortable with two,” McAdoo said. “We decided there is one out there, Josh, that we thought could come in and create some competition to get them both better.”

As for the release of Brinkley, who was the team’s starting middle linebacker at the end of last season, McAdoo didn’t want to delve into the reasons.

“It just came down to it’s a numbers game at this point. It came down to numbers,” McAdoo said. “We thank Jasper for everything he’s done for us. Coming in playing last year off short notice, he did a nice job for us. We wish him the best.”

Dropping Brinkley would appear to mean that Kelvin Sheppard has won the middle linebacker job. McAdoo, though, said the Giants would be flexible in how they used their linebackers.

“It depends on what package you’re in. We can throw a variety of linebackers out there,” he said. “I think Kelvin has definitely earned an opportunity. He showed well in the preseason game and has done well in practice. He’s a great communicator and we’re excited to have him here.”

Injury updates

Safety Darian Thompson (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis ... Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (ribs) was also limited ... Cornerback Leon Hall and linebackr B.J. Goodson (concussions) did not practice as they are still going through the league protocol.

On defensive tackle Robert Thomas

Sunday’s waiver claim of defensive tackle Robert Thomas, a 25-year-old former undrafted free agent with one game of NFL experience, caught many by surprise. McAdoo explained what the Giants saw in the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Thomas.

“He plays with great energy. Leverage, he stays on his feet. Tremendous balance and he uses his hands well. He’s active. Good player, glad to have him,” McAdoo said.

On facing rookie QB Dak Prescott

When the Giants play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday rookie Dak Prescott will be the opposing quarterback, not the injured Tony Romo.

“Dak is a winner. He’s won everywhere he’s been. He has taken advantage of his opportunities in the preseason and it’ll be a challenge for us,” McAdoo said. “We’re going to have our hands full. He’s a good player.”