The Giants currently view LB Keith Rivers as a versatile reserve capable of playing both weak-side and middle linebacker. Rivers is currently working behind WLB Michael Boley, and DC Perry Fewell says "at some point in time, he'll play some Mike linebacker for us as we continue in our OTAs." It's possible Rivers could eventually push current first-team MLB Chase Blackburn. Boley and Mathias Kiwanuka are locked in as outside starters.

The National Football Post reports that bad blood between LB Keith Rivers and the Bengals organization contributed to him eventually being traded to the Giants. Rivers had wrist surgery near the end of last offseason's lockout. At that time, it was expected that he'd land on the PUP list to start the 2012 season, which meant he could've collected his paycheck. Instead, the Bengals placed him on the non-football injury list because they felt he should've had the surgery earlier in the offseason. Rivers filed a grievance, which inevitably left to hard feelings. Rivers was traded to the Giants for a fifth-round pick in April.

Recently acquired Giants WLB Keith Rivers will make $1.25 million in 2012. Rivers also had the final year of his rookie deal (2013) voided. It's a nearly $1 million cut from his originally scheduled $2.16 million, and a sign he might not be locked into a starting job after missing all of 2011 with a wrist injury. With WLB Michael Boley tentatively expected to shift to the middle, however, Rivers remains the favorite to start on the weak-side.

Giants acquired WLB Keith Rivers from the Bengals in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft. It's the last pick in the fifth round, so it's as close as you can possibly get to the sixth. Rivers developed a bit of a "soft" reputation in as the former No. 9 overall pick in the draft with Cincinnati, but he was not averse to playing through injuries and is a quality run defender when healthy. Look for Michael Boley to start at middle linebacker for the Giants. Rivers should handle the weak-side duties, with Mathias Kiwanuka on the strong side.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms the Giants are "exploring" a trade for Bengals WLB Keith Rivers. Rivers is no longer in the Bengals' plans after missing time due to plantar fasciitis, a broken jaw, ankle surgery, a severe calf strain, and last year's wrist surgery over the past four seasons. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Rivers will likely cost the Giants a draft pick no higher than the fifth round. He's worth the dice roll at that price.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, there may be "fire behind the smoke" on rumors of the Giants discussing a trade for Bengals OLB Keith Rivers. Beat writer Mike Garafolo advised via Twitter to "sit tight" while he digs deeper. Rotoworld's Evan Silva had been predicting a Rivers trade entering the final year of his rookie contract, but the 2008 first-rounder is no lock to pass a physical after missing all of last season due to wrist surgery. GM Jerry Reese recently hinted that Michael Boley could be moved to middle linebacker, leaving a vacancy on the weak side.

A league source tells the Cincinnati Enquirer WLB Keith Rivers' wrist injury is "neither degenerative (nor) career threatening." The Enquirer recently referred to Rivers' wrist issue, which held him out for all of 2011, as degenerative. If Rivers' wrist is indeed on the mend and in no danger of getting worse, he could draw trade interest this offseason, though it would figure to be minimal since he's due $2.16 million.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer refers to WLB Keith Rivers' 2011 wrist injury as "degenerative." Rivers never did play in 2011 after undergoing offseason wrist surgery. A "degenerative" condition means it may not get better, and could potentially even get worse. We'd previously speculated Rivers might be on the trade block entering the last year of his rookie deal, but he might not be able to pass physicals. The former first-round pick has an uncertain football future.

Bengals WLB Keith Rivers (wrist) will remain on the non-football/injury list for the remainder of the season. Rivers is still not fully recovered from July wrist surgery. Tuesday marks the final day of the three-week window the Bengals had to decide whether to activate Rivers after his return to practice. Rivers is under contract through 2013. Thomas Howard will hold down the weak side for the remainder of this season.

Bengals WLB Keith Rivers (NFI, wrist) has resumed practicing. The Bengals now have three weeks to add Rivers to the active roster or shut him down for the season. Thomas Howard has played well in Rivers' absence, but he should be a major contributor down the stretch as long as he's healthy.