EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants' beleaguered offensive line got a boost Monday.
Geoff Schwartz, who has missed the entire season thus far due to a dislocated right big toe, was activated from injured reserve prior to the 4 p.m. deadline. Otherwise, Schwartz would have remained on IR the rest of the year.
"I am ready to go," Schwartz said. "I had a couple good weeks of practice. Last week was real good. I took every rep for the scout team. I felt good out there. I expect I'll be ready to go."
To make room for Schwartz on the roster, the Giants waived linebacker Justin Anderson, who was signed off the practice squad last week.
The Giants signed Schwartz this past offseason and planned to plug him in as one of their starting guards. In his absence, and with the retirement of former All-Pro Chris Snee, the Giants have had to turn to former Miami Dolphin John Jerry and rookie Weston Richburg at the guard spots. Both Jerry and Richburg are among the 15 lowest-rated guards in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
It remains to be seen where the Giants will play Schwartz going forward. Coach Tom Coughlin offered no specifics Monday.
"I don't have any preference yet, except to get him going," Coughlin said.
The Giants also could have a need at right tackle. Justin Pugh left Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the first half with a strained quadriceps and did not return.
Pugh said he actually suffered the injury during pregame warm-ups in Seattle two weeks ago but was able to play through it against the Seahawks. He aggravated the injury on the Giants' second possession against the 49ers.
Schwartz has a little experience playing tackle, but Pugh said he hopes to play next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
"That's my plan," Pugh said. "That's what I want to do."
Charles Brown replaced Pugh at right tackle against the 49ers. When asked how Brown did in Pugh's absence, Coughlin was blunt.
"Not very well," the coach said.
