EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have placed defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka on injured reserve with a neck injury.
Kiwanuka, who was having an outstanding season with four sacks in the first three games, was diagnosed with a cervical disk problem earlier this month and has not played the last four games.
The Giants hoped Kiwanuka, whose contract expires after this season, would respond to treatment and be able to play again this season, but doctors recently told him to shut it down.
Defensive back and return specialist Will Blackmon was signed to take Kiwanuka's place on the roster. He spent the past four seasons with the Packers.
Blackmon was Kiwanuka's roommate during their senior season at Boston College.