Bryan Kehl really was on the Giants roster for one reason. As a 2008 fourth-round draft pick from BYU, Kehl never developed as an outside linebacker and as such was reduced to clinging to a spot on the team because of his speed and ability to run down on special teams.
“For me unfortunately I don’t get to play on defense right now so that’s all I do,” Kehl said the other day. “I have the mentality I want to do the best any time I step on the field. I don’t know if everybody has that mentality but that’s definitely what the coaches want.”
Kehl added “Know your role and act well thy part.”
Kehl was part of the problem with the special teams in Sunday’s season-opening 31-18 victory over the Panthers and as a result, plus a sudden and desperate need to add a tight end, Kehl is no longer on the team. He was waived today and replaced on the roster by Bear Pascoe, who was signed off the practice squad because the Giants were reduced to only one healthy tight end.
The need to add a tight end arose after starter Kevin Boss early in the first quarter leaped for a high pass, came down and was nailed in the back of the neck by Carolina safety Sherrod Martin. The Giants were furious no penalty was called. The hit caused a concussion that forced Boss from the game. He’s being evaluated – it’s his second concussion, as he suffered one last Thanksgiving in Denver – and there’s no way he’ll be cleared to play in time for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.
“I’ve been preparing like I’m going to play,” Pascoe said.
He’ll play against the Colts, as second-year Travis Beckum is the only other tight end on the team and he’s barely competent at a blocker, as he was drafted out of Wisconsin for his pass-catching ability.
Kehl did not help himself when in the fourth quarter he completely missed a block at the line of scrimmage, allowing Greg Hardy to storm in on rookie Matt Dodge for a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.
“We had no business getting a punt blocked,” Tom Coughlin said. “There was a six-man rush. There was a breakdown up front, it wasn’t complicated, we turned a guy loose. You never turn a guy loose. We did. That’s really difficult to understand. It’s embarrassing, to be honest with you.”
Pascoe was signed to the practice squad last September after being released at the end of training camp by the 49ers – who drafted him in the sixth round out of Fresno State. Pascoe in December was signed to the active roster and played in four games. This summer, Pascoe gained recognition for being the only tight end on the team to stay healthy as others fell by the wayside. He was released on Sept. 4 and signed to the practice squad the next day.
