Daniel Bellinger has become nearly invisible with diminishing Giants role: Not up to me

CLEVELAND — Even with the Giants selecting Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, and even with the signing of veteran Chris Manhertz, it figured that Daniel Bellinger would maintain a role as a tight end within the offense.Why not? Bellinger in his 29 games the past two seasons compiled 55 receptions and developed into an improving in-line blocker.Johnson is a promising pass-catcher prospect, but he is a rookie, and Manhertz operates more like an offensive lineman than a tight end.

There was every reason to believe Bellinger would be a part of the game plan this season.In the season-opening loss to the Vikings, Bellinger played 16 of the 71 snaps on offense.In last week’s 21-18 loss to the Commanders, Bellinger was on the field for just four of the 56 snaps on offense.“That’s not up to me,’’ Bellinger told The Post.

“I’m just going to do the best job I can and do whatever they ask me to do and whatever they need me to do to help the team win, whatever that is.It is what it is.

It’s not much in my control, just do what I can and control what I can control.’’A 2022 fourth-round pick of the Joe Schoen regime, Bellinger, 23, said he did not get any heads-up that he would be used sparingly in Week 2.“My focus is just on what I can do to help us win, and I wasn’t thinking too much about it,’’ he said.Coach Brian Daboll explained the tight end usage last week as a byproduct of a specific plan of attack that called for blocking, first and foremost.Johnson played 44 snaps and did not have a single target.

Manhertz in 26 snaps was also not targeted.For Sunday’s game against the Browns, Bellinger does not know how much time he will get on the field.“I’m not sure if I will get more or less,’’ Bellinger said.“Either way, just got to be ready.

I think there will be opportunities.I think I can help the offense any way they need me to.’’Jamie Gillan is a punter by trade.

He grew up in Scotland playing soccer and rugb...