Kiwanuka back to DE to replace Umenyiora

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants' plan to replace injured Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora doesn't include Michael Strahan. For now, that is.

Less than 48 hours after losing Umenyiora to a season-ending knee injury in a preseason game against the Jets, the Giants shuffled their defense Monday and moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to end from his strongside linebacker spot.

"I was told all along that if something were to happen that this is a position I could find myself in," Kiwanuka said. "I am ready to step in there and hopefully there won't be a letdown at all."

A 2006 first-round draft choice, Kiwanuka was switched to linebacker 17 months ago so the Giants could get their best 11 defenders on the field.

Moving him back sends the message that the Giants are not ready to push the panic button and throw millions of dollars to lure Strahan back to the NFL after three months of retirement.

"We are going to go forward with the players that we have," coach Tom Coughlin said. "And we are always looking for and searching for people who can help our team. And nothing is going to change with regard to that."

Coughlin refused to speculate on whether the Giants were interested in Strahan, the 36-year-old, seven-time Pro Bowler who ended a 15-year career after getting a championship ring.

Strahan, vacationing in Greece, turned down a $6 million contract offer in the offseason. He has since signed to work on Fox Sports' NFL pregame show.

Tony Agnone, Strahan's agent, did not immediately return messages left at his office and on his cell phone by the Associated Press on Monday. He said Sunday the Giants had not contacted him about Strahan.

Strahan told the NFL Network on Sunday that he has not heard from the Giants, so it would be premature to say anything about playing again.

"So I'm enjoying my retired life right now," he said.

General manager Jerry Reese said Monday the Giants are looking at all their options.

Jets quarterback Brett Favre, recently unretired himself, said the Giants should do whatever possible to get Strahan back.