A week into training camp, Giants veteran guard Justin Pugh has seen enough while watching Dalvin Tomlinson in action to determine the rookie has what it takes.
Tomlinson, a second-round pick out of Alabama, is working with the second-team defense at defensive tackle. There is a starting spot up for grabs, after Johnathan Hankins signed with the Colts.
“Yeah, you look at Tomlinson, he’s fit right in with that group,’’ Pugh said. “There’s no drop-off from when the 1s go out and he comes in. Obviously, I know he’s got to learn the scheme and learn his role within the scheme, but he plays at a great pad level, impressed with him.’’
A day after rolling his ankle and getting carted off the field, receiver Sterling Shepard woke up Thursday sore and a little stiff, according to coach Ben McAdoo.
Shepard was sent for an MRI exam “just to make sure we’re looking at it and doing our due diligence,’’ McAdoo said.
The injury is still believed to be a low-ankle sprain.
Backup center Brett Jones got plenty of work with the starters in place of Weston Richburg, which was by design.
“It was part of the plan for Weston,’’ McAdoo said. “Brett’s a guy who’s built low to the ground, he’s a finisher and we have confidence in Brett.’’
Pugh on newly signed offensive lineman D.J. Fluker: “Fluker, obviously put pads on him, he’s the biggest human being I’ve ever seen.’’ Fluker is listed at 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds.
Rutgers coach Chris Ash and a few of his staff members watched practice from the sideline, and the Scarlet Knights players watched from the bleachers.
WR Brandon Marshall beat CB Eli Apple for a touchdown in the red-zone drill. … S Darian Thompson had a diving interception of an Eli Manning pass that floated beyond the reach of Orleans Darkwa.
Training day
Rested & ready
A day off seemed to energize Jason Pierre-Paul, who was difficult to contain in this practice. He deflected away an Eli Manning pass and moments later blew by Bobby Hart for what would have been a sack, putting heavy pressure on Manning.
Line of fire
Hey, it is not easy to deal with a hard-charging defensive line. The offensive line clearly was under siege at times, and this was not a great day in pass protection. It is a good thing there is no live hitting in practice, or else the quarterbacks would have taken a pounding.
Caught my eye
Kicker Aldrick Rosas thus far is holding up to the added pressure of having veteran Mike Nugent in camp. Rosas went 4-for-4 on field goals, hitting an impressive 55-yarder. The rookie is 12-for-12 in his first NFL camp as he tries to hold onto the kicking job.
Medical report
LB Keenan Robinson is in the concussion protocol after sustaining a hit to the head on Wednesday. WR Tavarres King rolled his ankle covering a punt and did not finish practice.
LB B.J. Goodson had his left foot stepped on and exited early. RB Shane Vereen and DE Devin Taylor, both out with lower-body soreness, worked on the side with trainers and are expected to return Friday. G Jessamen Dunker (foot) and CB Valentino Blake (back) remain out.