EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Mykkele Thompson's career with the New York Giants officially lasted a little more than two years and covered one game. He was credited with one tackle. The cornerback injured his knee in that Week 2 contest last year against the New Orleans Saints.
That is the story of Thompson's Giants career, which ended Thursday when he was waived with an injury designation. Former Purdue linebacker Jimmy Herman, who attended the Giants' rookie minicamp on a tryout earlier this year, was signed to fill the roster spot.
Thompson wasn't able to remain healthy in his time with the Giants. He missed several days of practice this week with a quad injury. As coaches often say in the NFL: The best ability is availability. And Thompson was rarely available for the Giants.
After being a surprise fifth-round pick out of Texas in the 2015 NFL draft, Thompson tore his Achilles tendon as a rookie. He then suffered a knee injury that eventually landed him on injured reserve last season.
Thompson knew this was an important summer. He said "1,000 percent" there was something to prove after missing almost all of his first two professional seasons. He knew this would be his last opportunity with the team that drafted him.
The Giants moved Thompson from safety to cornerback this spring. They were hoping his size and physicality would be an asset as a press-corner, but he was up-and-down throughout the early part of training camp.
"He's had some good days, and some days where he's lost some battles," coach Ben McAdoo said earlier this week. "But he keeps on battling."
The quad injury appeared to be the last straw. The Giants needed to add depth at the linebacker position with Mark Herzlich (stinger) and Keenan Robinson (concussion) currently sidelined.
Herman played in 33 games at Purdue. He finished with 138 total tackles and an interception.
