East Rutherford, New Jersey — The Giants announced 11 moves as they began to reduce their roster from 90 players in training camp to 53 for the regular season.
Wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who had impressed since joining the team as a rookie free agency, was placed on injured reserve. Ford-Wheaton played only four special teams snaps in the preseason finale against the Jets before tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season. He caught two passes for 24 yards in last week’s win over the Carolina Panthers and was the only wideout to appear on multiple special teams.
“We had some discussions this morning and that was really the message that everybody has to stay ready,” Daboll said. “I appreciate all their effort and hard work that they’ve put into things. Unfortunately, it’s not going to work out being on the active roster, but stay ready and I just appreciate everything that they’ve contributed up to this point, but tough days.” Johnson and Cunningham were the only two players released today who had played in the regular-season game.
Five players were released: Collin Johnson, James Robinson, Kevin Atkins, Donovan Jeter, and Darren Evans.
The Giants also terminated the contracts of five vested veterans, including tackles Korey Cunningham and Julien Davenport, wide receiver Jaydon Mickens, defensive end Tashawn Bower, and defensive tackle Brandin Bryant.
The trades leave the Giants with 79 players. They have till 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to reach 53.
“I’d say really with everybody that we’ve kind of moved on from and that we will move on from, it’s long discussions, they’re hard discussions,” coach Brian Daboll said when asked about Johnson. “We have a (wide receivers) room that we felt comfortable with.”
Daboll stated his message to departing players is to always be prepared, because the opportunity to return may arrive shortly.
“We had some discussions this morning and that was really the message that everybody has to stay ready,” Daboll said. “I appreciate all their effort and hard work that they’ve put into things. Unfortunately, it’s not going to work out being on the active roster, but stay ready and I just appreciate everything that they’ve contributed up to this point, but tough days.” Johnson and Cunningham were the only two players released today who had played in the regular-season game.
