Giants practice squad protections: Niko Lalos, two others

The New York Giants have protected three practice squad players including new fan favorite, DE Niko Lalos.

The New York Giants have announced the protections of three practice squad players ahead of their Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks, including new fan favorite, defensive lineman Niko Lalos.

Lalos originally signed with the Giants back in April as an undrafted rookie out of Dartmouth. He was released as a part of final cuts in September and signed to the team’s practice squad a day later.

Through 11 weeks of the season, Lalos quietly remained on the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster last week. He took his first eight NFL snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals and hauled in an incredibly impressive and game-changing interception.

Prior to the game, Lalos received a shout-out from LeBron James and later drew wide praise from his coaches and teammates.

In addition to Lalos, the Giants also protected quarterback Clayton Thorson and long snapper Carson Tinker.

The Giants signed Thorson on September 29 and have protected him three other times this season so far. And with Daniel Jones hampered by a hamstring injury and only one other quarterback on the roster to date, his protection makes sense.

Tinker was also signed in early September and waived as a part of final cuts before being added to the practice squad.

Update: After re-signing to the practice squad, the Giants also protected kicker/punter Ryan Santoso.

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