EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Brandon Meriweather's absence from the Giants lasted one game.

The veteran safety, released a week ago when defensive tackle Barry Cofield joined the team, was re-signed today. Meriweather fills the opening on the roster that was created when fullback Nikita Whitlock was placed on injured reserve. Whitlock injured his knee late in last week's 38-35 loss to Carolina.

Safety Cooper Taylor suffered a concussion in that game, leaving the Giants with only two healthy safeties in Landon Collins and Craig Dahl. So Meriweather was re-acquired to shore up the back of the defense.

Meriweather started each of the first 11 games at strong safety. He was inactive with a knee injury vs. the Jets on Dec. 6, and at Miami the following week. Meriweather's season totals include 53 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions and seven passed defensed.

Whitlock, a free agent from Wake Forest, made the roster as an unusual hybrid, a fullback/defensive tackle. A defensive lineman in college, he was converted to fullback in 2014 by the Cincinnati Bengals, his original NFL team.

Whitlock had no rushing attempts or receptions, but he made a mark with his one tackle, a 14-yard sack of Buffalo's Tyrod Taylor on Oct. 4. He was credited with four quarterback hits.