Kennard.zip

Devon Kennard can change the Giants defense when healthy. (Photos by NJ Advance Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD – The Giants had a special defensive package specifically for strong side linebacker Devon Kennard in the season-opener but needed to scratch it after a hamstring injury surfaced early in the game.

Kennard returned to practice today for the first time on a limited basis, but did enter the team portion of drills to work full speed.

"I'm not sure. I'm just doing whatever they ask me," he said.

While it's unclear if the Giants will re-install the Kennard package from Week 1, it certainly sounds like he'll reclaim his spot at the SAM and bump Mark Herzlich back to special teams duty.

Kennard said he played at the SAM in base sets during practice today.

Adding to our theory is the fact that Jameel McClain described himself as a "nomad" during interviews today. With Jon Beason also making a return this week, the linebacking corps will have plenty of depth to cycle through.

"They could tell me one second before the game, I'll be ready," McClain said, when asked how soon he needs to know where his spot will be.

At the moment, it makes sense to see McClain start on the strong side, but work in Kennard if McClain needs to shift to the middle. Beason, while showing signs of progress, will need to deal with his foot injury all season, and could use some rest.

If nothing else, it gives the Giants an extra boost against the NFL's most productive offense (441 yards/game) heading into Sunday. Atlanta is 14th in rushing (121.8 yards/game) and boast a stable of backs that could be game-changers when the blocking is there.

"You take your lumps early and you just keep improving, and consistently improving. In the practice that we had today, showed that guys were focused, locked in, energetic," McClain said. "Those are all of the things that you expect from a good defense. If we can keep building off of that, we will keep getting dangerous."