Wink Martindale is enjoying the Giants’ misery.
In his first season as Michigan’s defensive coordinator after two seasons with the Giants, Martindale lobbed a not-so-subtle barb Wednesday at his former employer.
“I’m glad I’m here,” Martindale said. “I love the players that we have. Obviously, it’s a different game [in college], but it’s a lot better than being in some places that are 2-7.”
Ouch. The Giants are 2-7.
“I don’t necessarily see it as a shot. There are a lot of 2-7 teams,” linebacker Bobby Okereke told The Post after seeing Martindale’s words. “Everyone knows I loved playing for him. I still love him. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had.”
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said he had “no reaction” to Martindale’s comments.
The relationship between Martindale and Giants head coach Brian Daboll deteriorated last season as the losses piled up, and Daboll did not keep his cool on the sidelines.
A source previously told The Post that Martindale would take shots at the head coach during meetings.
It reached a breaking point when Martindale did not react well to the Giants firing Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two of his coaching pupils who followed him from the Ravens to the Giants.
Martindale cursed out Daboll, The Post exclusively reported, then exited the team’s East Rutherford facility.
The sides “mutually agreed” to part ways soon after.
Defending national champion Michigan is off to a disappointing 5-4 start, with a defense ranked No. 57 in the NCAA in points per game (23.3).
The Giants moved on to former Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, whose unit leads the NFL with 35 sacks but ranks last with 5.2 yards allowed per carry.
WR Darius Slayton remains in the concussion protocol and is no lock to travel with the team Thursday night to Germany for the game against the Panthers.
He is not as far along as RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. was last Wednesday, when he was cleared to return without missing a game.
“I’d say he’s questionable,” Daboll said.
DT Dexter Lawrence (rest) and WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) did not practice. RG Greg Van Roten is dealing with a shoulder injury.
CB Art Green was signed to the active roster off the practice squad to fill the spot opened by the surprise release of CB Nick McCloud.
“We’re going to give him an opportunity at gunner and as the fourth/fifth defensive back,” Daboll said. “He’s done a good job since he’s been here.”
The Giants saved about $1 million against the salary cap by cutting the five-game starter McCloud.
“I don’t really know the ins and outs of why it happened, but that’s somebody I got close to since I got here so it’s a bummer,” Burns said. “He’s a dog on special teams, and he knows everything through and through with the defense, so I always thought he was an asset.”
K Graham Gano, who has missed the last seven games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice.
P Jamie Gillan, who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, was back in practice.
Matt Haack, who was released Tuesday after punting in Gillan’s absence, was re-signed to the practice squad as insurance.
Daboll is “hopeful” Gano and Gillan will kick against the Panthers.
Undrafted rookie OT Bryan Hudson was signed to the practice squad, taking the spot of released OT Joshua Miles.
