Among the many decisions facing the New York Giants this offseason is who will replace Jabrill Peppers as the primary punt returner.
Peppers, of course, left the Giants via free agency and went on to sign with the New England Patriots. And although Big Blue did bring back wide receiver C.J. Board, there will be a competition for the starting job this summer.
Auditions kicked off on Monday as the Giants opened organized team activities, and there was more than a handful of players stepping up to challenge. However, there was a very interesting name among them.
In addition to Darius Slayton, Adoree’ Jackson, Darnay Holmes and a slew of rookies was international running back Sandro Platzgummer.
The Giants had numerous players fielding punts on Monday, including rookie wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. Other punt returners included Darius Slayton, Sandro Platzgummer, Adoree’ Jackson, Darnay Holmes, Jashaun Corbin, Austin Proehl and Richie James.
Platzgummer has spent the past several seasons on the Giants’ practice squad by way of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He remains on an international exemption, but that will expire on the day the Giants trim their roster to 53 men.
A path to the roster is obviously more difficult for Platzgummer this year, so he and the Giants have hedged their bets by finding other area for him to contribute. And while it’s unlikely he outright wins the punt return job, the added versatility is always a good thing to have.
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