Giants face roster cuts as they finalize 53-man squad after Dolphins win
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen must decide which players to keep as they set the opening roster, with key questions at running back, wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback and defensive line positions.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen said they will have to make several tough roster decisions following the team’s 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Harbaugh noted that many players are competing for spots and praised those who performed well in the game.
At running back, the addition of Najee Harris and the presence of fullback Patrick Ricard have reduced the margin for additional backs. Harbaugh complimented Devin Singletary after he rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown, saying, "He did great. He played like he always plays. He is one of the most consistent players you’re ever going to see." The status of Tyrone Tracy remains uncertain, with questions about his reliability and the overall number of running backs the Giants can retain.
The wide-receiver group includes six players—Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios, Malachi Fields, Calvin Austin and Darius Slayton—who appear secure on the roster. The team must decide whether to add a seventh receiver, weighing the potential return of Odell Beckham Jr. against special-teams contributor Dalen Cambre.
On the offensive line, recent performances have earned rookie J.C. Davis a spot after he played 81 snaps at left tackle. Harbaugh indicated that Davis cannot be moved to the practice squad. Other linemen likely to remain include Marcus Mbow, Aaron Stinnie, Lucas Patrick, Jake Kubas and possibly Evan Neal.
The cornerback unit features Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome, Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, Colton Hood and Art Green, with a possible role for seventh-round pick Korie Black. Decisions will focus on who will cover the Dallas Cowboys’ receivers in the season opener.
Defensively, Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander, D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris are expected to fill four interior line spots. Additional candidates such as Leki Fotu, Zacch Pickens and rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis are under consideration, but the roster cannot accommodate eight interior defensive linemen.