Mark Herzlich Injury: Updates on Giants LB's Concussion and Return

New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich is set to return to action after suffering a concussion in the team's third preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The team confirmed his return for the final tune-up game as he was not listed on the Giants' list of inactives for the contest against the New England Patriots. The news was not a surprise as Herzlich was a participant during the week's practices, as Art Stapleton of The Record noted on Sept. 1.

On Aug. 22, Jordan Raanan of NJ Advance Media noted Herzlich missed time last season with a concussion as well, which was concerning prior to passing the league's concussion protocol. 

Herzlich has been working his way from special teams member in 2011 to starting eight games as an outside linebacker last season, as Raanan explains he has been excelling at camp:

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One player that really stood out during run drills was linebacker Mark Herzlich. He dominated guard Adam Gettis on one play and tight end Larry Donnell on another. ... Herzlich appears to have found a role at strongside linebacker, in addition to being a strong special teams player. It would be surprising if there wasn't a spot on the roster for him this year.

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Preparing for his fifth season in the league, Herzlich is battling with Devon Kennard at strong-side linebacker.

Herzlich's return should bolster a weakened position in the Giants defense. After Jameel McClain, who recorded 116 tackles last season, New York has been unable to find other players to successfully round out their linebacking corps.

They will hope Jon Beason, who is coming back from a toe injury, and new acquisition J.T. Thomas can team up with McClain and restore the Giants defense to their former glory.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.