The New York Giants may be without one of their top defensive players on Sunday as they take on the San Francisco 49ers.
While he is now listed as questionable, Devon Kennard told reporters on Wednesday he is hoping to play.
Kennard, a second-year linebacker out of USC, has been an absolute stud since being drafted in the 5th Round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He finished with 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his rookie campaign and has looked just as good, if not better, this season.
The whole reason Kennard's status is in jeopardy is due to a hamstring injury suffered in the team's 24-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Kennard played extremely well in that game, racking up 5 tackles, 2 defended passes, and his first career interception. He also has been an essential part in the Giants number one ranked run defense that allows under 70 yards per game.
If Kennard is unable to go Sunday night his presence will be sorely missed. Through four games this season, Kennard has 25 tackles, 4 passes defended and his highlight reel interception. Without him, the Giants have veteran linebackers to step in to fill his void.
One option would be first-year Giant and Super Bowl champion Jonathan Cassilas. Cassilas has quietly had a good year thus far after coming as a free agent from the New England Patriots. So far, in a limited role, Cassilas has 20 tackles and a sack.
The other option to fill Kennard's vacancy would be Mark Herzlich. Herzlich has had a restricted role this year with just 9 tackles, with most of those coming on special teams.
There is no doubt that the loss of Devon Kennard would be a huge blow to their defense, but no matter what happens, the Giants will be in a good position to beat the struggling 49ers in primetime on Sunday.