Giants Bubble Watch: Justin Tryon could make team on interim basis

Expect the unexpected when the Giants settle on a 53-man roster. Injuries to left tackle Will Beatty (back), defensive tackle Chris Canty (knee), weakside linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring) and cornerback Terrell Thomas (knee) as well as the clouded status of defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (blood clot) will necessitate extra numbers at certain positions. That means some other positions could be left a little thin.

Justin Tryon (CB, 5th year, made three tackles in three games with Giants last season) -- Tryon broke his arm while making a remarkable special teams tackle against the Dolphins last season (his arm may have already been broken when he made the tackle) but he’s healthy now and is coming off a solid training camp. With safety Tyler Sash suspended for four games to open the season, Tryon could be kept on an interim basis while the team sees how Thomas’ knee recovers. If the team thinks he’ll be able to return, Tryon would likely be released. But, if Thomas’ right ACL doesn’t respond to treatment, Tryon could stick around after Sash’s return. Dante Hughes is another player who could be kept on while Sash is suspended.

Mitch Petrus (G, 3rd year, three starts in three seasons) -- Petrus is as strong as any lineman in the game, but he isn’t really an option as a backup center, which makes Jim Cordle a bit more valuable given the limited roster space. Cordle can play all interior line positions and is the team’s backup long snapper. Petrus has easily outplayed rookie guard/tackle Brandon Mosley in camp, but the team used a fourth-round pick on the Auburn product and might not be willing to expose him to waivers. Even though Petrus played well in spot starts last season, he could still be a victim of the numbers.

Spencer Paysinger (LB, 2nd year, appeared in 15 games making 12 tackles as a rookie) -- The former Oregon Duck made the Giants as an undrafted free agent last season, and remains a favorite of the coaching staff. But even though Boley has fought hamstring issues throughout the preseason, Paysinger is still looking up at Jacquian Williams and Keith Rivers on the depth chart at weakside linebacker. Paysinger has learned some middle linebacker as well, but Chase Blackburn and Mark Herzlich are battling for the starting position at that position. If the Giants do cut Paysinger, he wouldn’t be a free agent for very long.

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