Johnathan Hankins has mixed emotions.
On one hand, the rookie defensive tackle is thrilled he likely will be active for Sunday’s game against the Raiders at MetLife Stadium. On the other, he’s upset it’s because veteran lineman Shaun Rogers (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Thursday.
“I wouldn’t say I’m really excited because a guy went down and he was hurt,” the second-round pick out of Ohio State said after practice on Friday. “But the opportunity is there — it’s there for me to take it and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
Rogers, a 13-year veteran who suffered a knee injury two weeks ago, served as a mentor to Hankins, teaching him the ins and outs of the position and what the coaches would expect out of him. With Rogers out of the lineup, Hankins is likely to play in back of starters Linval Joseph and Cullen Jenkins.
“Hopefully, I can learn from what he’s done, [use] it on the field,” the 6-foot-2, 320-pound Hankins said of Rogers.
Second-year pro Markus Kuhn, another defensive tackle, was activated off the physically unable to perform list this week to give the team added depth, though it is unlikely Hankins and Kuhn will be active on Sunday. Kuhn tore his ACL last November.
Hankins said he sees this as his big chance to make an impression, to contribute to the improving defense and a Giants team that has won two straight games after losing their first six. He has appeared in just three games, making five tackles, but he was active for the Giants’ last victory, a 15-7 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia Oct. 27 before the bye week.
“It’s been tough,” he said. “I’ve been talking to coaches and the guys. It’s not always going to be handed to you, or given to you, and you have to learn to work for it. I’ve been practicing my butt off every single week as if I’m going go out there and play. This week, if my name is called, which I think it may be, I’m just going to go out there and give it my all.
“I got to prove what they drafted me for and I can definitely contribute to the team. I just got to go out there and play. I can’t worry about pressure. It’s basically football, which I’ve been doing all my life. It’s going to come natural and hopefully the production shows.”
Hankins said he is looking forward to facing Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor, his former Ohio State teammate, and possibly getting to plant him on the turf.
“You could never touch him in practice,” the rookie recalled with a smile. “This will be my first chance to hit him. I’m pretty excited to go up against him.”
“If I get the chance, I’m definitely going to try to let him know I’m there.”