New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter has yet to have his breakthrough season, but there’s no denying that the 24-year-old is extremely athletic and possesses a unique skill set.
Just how unique? Enough that inside linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer believes Carter could play on the offensive side of the ball — something that could become a possibility if COVID-19 impacts the team to any substantial degree.
“He has a unique skillset overall with his length, athleticism,” Sherrer told reporters on Monday. “There are probably a lot of positions he could play. He could probably… I’m sure they’d probably like to have him on the offensive side with the way he can run. There’s a possibility of that. If we got into a bind, I’m sure he could jump over there and do that.
“There were some things he did at the college level. It wasn’t his main deal to play inside linebacker, but the scheme kind of allowed it to happen, if that makes sense. He’s a guy that can possibly do that if needed.”
At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds and with 4.46 40-yard dash speed, Carter certainly has the makeup to play tight end on the offensive side of the ball, but hasn’t really seen much time on offense since high school. And even then, he was primarily a defensive end/linebacker.
But the Giants are preparing contingencies, and even head coach Joe Judge alluded to players potentially seeing action outside of their normal positions on Sunday.
“We’ve talked to players [about playing out of position],” Judge said, specifically alluding to kickers and punters. “We haven’t worked them all out individually as kickers and punters, but look, we have professional athletes. These guys have all been really good athletes their entire life, so it’s amazing how many guys have been the punter, the kicker for their high school team. Someone that may be able to get you out of a game if needed. We’re exploring all options with personnel on the practice squad in terms of that next man up mentality. But we’re also making sure that we have answers on the roster for whatever comes up.”
Still, it’s fascinating to think about the possibilities and what-ifs. And while none of us hope the Giants find themselves in such a dire situation, it may be something worth keeping an eye on as the NFL wades through the coronavirus waters for 17 weeks.
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