The New York Giants recently signed former Pro Bowl safety/linebacker Landon Collins to their active roster. Ahead of a crucial Week 16 match-up with the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Eve, the Giants are making an attempt to bolster their linebacking corps. Earlier this week, the Giants waived former starting linebacker Tae Crowder and re-signed him to their practice squad. This move left the Giants’ active roster thin at linebacker. In response, Landon Collins was called up for game day.
The New York Giants signed Landon Collins to their practice squad in October, marking the beginning of his second tenure with Big Blue. Since then, Collins has appeared in three games and has made the most of his second stint with the team, earning his way onto the active roster.
Landon Collins to start at linebacker in Week 16
Linebacker has been a weakness for the New York Giants all season long. Entering the Giants’ Week 15 match-up with the Washington commanders, there was a concern as to whether or not the Giants’ linebacking corps could get the job done. Micah McFadden had struggled of late and was a bit banged up going into the game. The Giants called upon Landon Collins to fill in at linebacker against Washington, his former team. Collins stepped in and made an impact, earning his way onto the active roster.
Landon Collins was on the field for 27 snaps (43%) in the Giants’ 20-12 win over Washington in week 15. Collins finished the game with three combined tackles including a crucial third-down run stop in the third quarter.
Despite not seeing the field since Week 8, Collins stepped in and made an immediate impact at the linebacker position for the Giants. Now, as the Giants inch closer to their first playoff berth since 2016, Landon Collins has an opportunity to start at linebacker for the Giants, crucial end-of-season run.
“It’s exciting. I’m excited because now you get to really contribute, make some plays for this team, and make that run. That run is as big as it comes. This opportunity is a blessing, and I’m thankful for it.”
Landon Collins on being signed to the Giants’ active roster in Week 16 via Giants.com
On Saturday, the Giants will face the dynamic Minnesota Vikings offense that features super-star running back Dalvin Cook and a formidable tight end in TJ Hockenson. Landon Collins will have his hands full as he tries to slow down the opposing running back and tight end, contributing as a run-defender and man-to-man coverage linebacker in the box.
The last time the New York Giants made the postseason their defense was led by none other than Landon Collins himself. Collins was selected to the Pro Bowl and was awarded the First Team AP All-Pro selection in 2016 as he helped the Giants achieve an 11-5 record and make the postseason. Since then, Collins has not been a part of a winning team until now. Big Blue has an opportunity to clinch a spot in the postseason this weekend with a win over Minnesota and some help from other teams around the league. Landon Collins could once again find himself playing playoff football with New York this winter.