Rams castoff Brown preps for Blue debut
Newcomers usually need time to acclimate to their new surroundings, and Jamon Brown is in that process right now with the Giants. This will be a hurry-up scenario and the new offensive guard is expected to be on the field sooner rather than later.
“We’re going to try to get him in there as quickly as possible,’’ coach Pat Shurmur said.
This is not a defensive back or receiver a team can blend into the lineup. Offensive linemen either start or they do not. The Giants are desperate for help and Brown could be the starting right guard as soon as Monday night’s game against the 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.
The 25-year old started 30 games for the Rams, including all 16 last season, but fell into disfavor after he was suspended the first two games this season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Brown was set to start, but when he returned from the suspension, Austin Blythe remained in the lineup at right guard. The Rams waived Brown on Oct. 30. The Giants put in a claim and landed him.
“This guy started the whole season, had a little incident where he’s no longer starting, and we were thrilled he was available,’’ Shurmur said. “He’s a big man, he’s athletic, and he certainly looks the part in some of the reps I saw [Tuesday]. We’ll get him up to speed quickly.’’
If a move is made, it is likely the 340-pound Brown, a 2015 thirdround pick from Louisville, would replace John Greco at right guard. The Giants could also move Greco to center, replacing Spencer Pulley.
Brown admitted he was blindsided by getting cut loose by the Rams.
“Most definitely, I think anyone would be in a situation like that,’’ he said “It’s kind of the belly of the beast. At any given time, you can be in one place, and then the next day a new place. Yes, it was shocking. I think it was shocking even to them for making that move, just based on the conversations I’ve had with some of the staff members in the organization. At the end of the day, the dream lives on. I have another opportunity right here in New York, and I’m going to make the most of it.’’
Rookie DT R.J. McIntosh was moved to the Giants’ active roster. He missed the spring and summer with an undisclosed illness and started his first NFL season on the non-football injury list.
“He will fit into the rotation, we’ll see how he progresses,’’ Shurmur said. “We feel like he’s got a future, we had to deal with a medical issue that we were not aware of when we drafted him, so we helped rectify that.’’
McIntosh, a fifth-round pick from Miami, is eager to make his debut.
“I want to be able to help them out with that and be a big factor on the D-line,’’ he said. “That’s my goal, to come out and immediately be a big factor.’’
To make room for McIntosh on the roster, kick returner Quadree Henderson was waived.