Michael Boley passes physical, taken off PUP list

New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley is ready to get back on a football field.Boley, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract, was taken off the physically unable to perform list and was to practice on Monday for the first time since having surgery in June to repair a torn labrum. The former Atlanta Falcon hurt his hip during the offseason program.Boley cannot play in the regular season opener against Washington on Sept. 13 because he will be serving an NFL suspension."This is a big relief," Boley said. "I have been sitting around, and not able to be involved in walkthroughs and do stuff with them, it has been kind of frustrating to be honest. I'm glad I'm back."Boley had no idea how long it will take him to be game ready, but the weakside linebacker hopes to play in the second game of the season, when the Giants travel to Dallas.Gerris Wilkinson and Bryan Kehl have been alternating at the weakside linebacker spot with Boley out.New York also released three players, including cornerback Stoney Woodson, a seventh-round draft choice who was waived/injured with an ankle problem. Also waived were wide receiver Taye Biddle and offensive lineman Terrance Pennington.Woodson played in 48 games at South Carolina with 23 starts. He finished his career with 109 tackles and eight interceptions.Biddle spent most of last season on the Giants practice squad. He was promoted to the active roaster for a game after Plaxico Burress was suspended for a game in September, but did not play.Biddle suffered gunshot wounds to his hand and leg while visiting family in his hometown of Decatur, Ga., in January. He had surgery on his hand. Police said there was no evidence he caused or provoked the shooting.Pennington was signed in January. He had previous NFL experience with Buffalo and Atlanta.