Jon Beason being reduced to part-time linebacker?

Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason was back on Monday night after suffering a concussion the previous week, but his role was limited.

Beason split snaps at middle linebacker with Uani Unga during a 27-7 loss to the Eagles. Unga was on the field for 40 defensive plays, Beason 38.

Unga handled most of the passing downs when the Giants were in their nickel defense with three cornerbacks on the field. This seems to be a trend. Even before Beason suffered the concussion early in the previous week's game (on the fifth play) against the 49ers, Unga was on the field with the nickel defense.

Some of this is a result of Beason having trouble staying healthy and being in playing shape. He struggled with a knee injury before the concussion.

But with Unga showing a knack for making plays (he had seven tackles and a forced fumbled), it seems fair to wonder if the platoon will continue even when Beason, 30, is back at full strength. It's possible at this point of Beason's career – when he's not great in pass coverage anyway – that he's a part-time middle linebacker.


(nj.com)