\n<\/aside>\nLandon Collins was signed to the Giants’ practice squad more than two months ago, surely a humbling experience for a former Pro Bowl-level player. <\/p>\n
Collins’ positive attitude and nose-down work ethic were rewarded Thursday when he was signed to the Giants’ 53-man roster for Saturday’s game against the Vikings. <\/p>\n
The 28-year-old safety was a three-time Pro Bowler over his first four seasons with the Giants before signing with Washington as a free agent in 2019. Collins, on a game-day elevation from the practice squad for the second time this season, took snaps as the Giants’ latest inside linebacker and registered three combined tackles in last week’s win against the Commanders, who released him earlier this year. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust knowing that I worked hard and showed what I can do, and getting an opportunity, that was the best part about it,\u201d Collins said after Thursday’s practice in East Rutherford. \u201cIt was definitely humbling, but I’ve always been that way. And I’ve always been a worker, so that’s something that’s never changed. <\/p>\n
\u201cI never came here with an expectation or anything like that. I came here just to go to work and be back in the building, so that’s the best part about it.\u201d <\/p>\nLandon Collins runs during the Giants’ win over the Commanders. <\/figcaption>AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCollins insists he still thinks of himself as a safety, but his ascension into the Giants’ rotation extends a season-long shuffling at inside linebacker, beginning with since-released Blake Martinez as the starter during the preseason. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n \t\t\tGo behind the scenes with Big Blue\t\t<\/h3>\n
\n
\t\t\tSign up for Inside the Giants by Paul Schwartz, a weekly Sports+ exclusive.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Austin Calitro was the Week 1 starter, and Tae Crowder made eight starts before switching roster spots with Collins this week and joining the practice squad. Jaylon Smith and Micah McFadden started at the inside spots in last week’s win over Washington, with Collins also playing 27 defensive snaps, often inside the box. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve had some guys, and I think the guys we have in there right now we have confidence and trust in, including Landon,\u201d Giants coach Brian Daboll said. \u201cWe’ll go out there and try to play a good game.\u201d <\/p>\n
The last time the Giants qualified for the playoffs, Collins, of course, was a starting safety playing his second NFL season in 2016. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems forever ago, because I’m getting up there in age,\u201d the 28-year-old Collins said. \u201cIt’s crazy, because after so many years, and last time was when I was here, it’s a blessing to get that opportunity. \u2026 We’re on that road to getting opportunity again.\u201d <\/p>\n