Giants place Tre Hawkins on IR, sign four to practice squad

The New York Giants have placed CB Tre Hawkins on injured reserve, signed four to the practice squad, and made several other transactions.

As anticipated, the New York Giants made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday after suffering a glut of injuries in Sunday’s 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Cornerback Tre Hawkins, who had a breakout performance in Week 14, was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a fractured lumbar spine. Although the injury will end his season, it does not require surgery.

The Giants also placed center Jimmy Morrissey on practice squad IR.

With Hawkins on IR, cornerback Greg Stroman, who was elevated against the Saints, was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Finally, to fill out the reserve unit, the Giants added four players to the practice squad—two veteran signings and two standard signings.

Quarterback Tim Boyle, as expected, was re-signed. Also added were defensive lineman Ross Blacklock, and cornerbacks Ekow Boye-Doe and Azizi Hearn.

Blacklock was originally a second-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2020 NFL draft. However, he quickly became a journeyman, making stops with the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans.

In 44 career games, the 26-year-old Blacklock has recorded 40 tackles (27 solo, five for a loss), one forced fumble, two passes defensed, nine QB hits, and 3.0 sacks.

Boye-Doe and Hearn have little to no regular season experience.

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Giants’ Tre Hawkins suffered fractured lumbar spine vs. Saints

New York Giants CB Tre Hawkins is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured lumbar spine in Week 14.

New York Giants second-year cornerback Tre Hawkins had a breakout performance on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints and was named the Giants Wire Player of the Game.

Filling in for the injured Deonte Banks and Andru Phillips, Hawkins recorded six tackles (four solo) and two passes defensed. Two of his tackles were in the open field and one combo tackle should have been credited for a loss but wasn’t in the official box score.

However, Hawkins’ third-quarter interception of Derek Carr was most notable, as it ended the longest all-time stretch for a team without a pick (11 games).

But Hawkins’ solid play came at an extreme cost.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Hawkins suffered a fractured lumbar spine and is almost certainly out for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old Hawkins appeared in just three games this season with one start, recording 10 tackles (eight solo), two passes defensed, and one interception.

Much of that production came on Sunday in what was, as Duggan notes, the best performance of Hawkins’ young career.

Hawkins is not expected to undergo surgery for the fracture, which takes up to eight weeks to heal, but the timeline will keep him sidelined over the next four games.

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Giants vs. Saints Player of the Game: Tre Hawkins III

The New York Giants were defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 14-11, at MetLife Stadium in Week 14 and Tre Hawkins is our Player of the Game.

The New York Giants were defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 14-11, at MetLife Stadium in Week 14 and Tre Hawkins III is our Player of the Game.

The outlook for this game was bleak coming in with the Giants struggling all season and a mountain of injuries on the defensive side of the football. However, they were able to make it a competitive game late in the fourth quarter with a Tyrone Tracy Jr. touchdown and a successful two-point conversion catch by Malik Nabers.

Unfortunately, the Giants did not have enough in the tank to complete the comeback.

On the bright side, the Jacksonville Jaguars were victorious on Sunday making the Giants the current owners of the number one overall pick. On top of that, the young players looked good for New York, especially second-year defensive back, Hawkins III.

The former sixth-round pick from Old Dominion showed out on Sunday. Most notably, he ended a 13-week streak in which the Giants did not record an interception.

In the third quarter, Hawkins high-pointed the ball on a Derek Carr deep shot to come away with the team’s second interception of the season.

The sophomore cornerback was also active in the run game as he made multiple tackles at or around the line of scrimmage to prevent rushers from leaking into the second level.

Overall, Hawkins finished the game with six tackles (four solo), two passes defensed, and one interception. On a team that is last in the NFL, it’s important to get production out of your young players and that is exactly what Hawkins was able to provide in Week 14.

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Giants injury report: Tyrone Tracy Jr. advances in concussion protocol

New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and has a chance to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered a positive injury update, revealing that all but two players — punter Jamie Gillan and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton — would return to practice.

Daboll also stated that rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and would wear the red non-contact jersey.

“Trending in the right direction,” Daboll said.

In further good news, Daboll said there’s a strong chance veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson returns for Sunday’s game against Washington barring a setback.

“Good to go,” he said of Jackson

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Limited participant: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (groin), OL Jake Kubas (abdomen), OL John Michael Schmitz (calf), LB Ty Summers (ankle), OL Joshua Ezeudu (knee), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle), OL Jon Runyan Jr. (foot)

Full participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), LB Brian Burns (groin/biceps), LB Matthew Adams (knee), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest)

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Giants injury report: Tyrone Tracy Jr. in concussion protocol

New York Giants rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. is in the “early stages” of concussion protocol and may not be available in Week 9 vs. Washington.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

On short rest, the Giants had a lengthy injury report with several veterans and stars sitting out, including nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Head coach Brian Daboll revealed that Tracy, who left Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, was in the “early stages” of concussion protocol. He is 50-50 to play against the Commanders.

Lawrence, who has been battling a hip injury for most of the season, was given a veteran rest day.

Meanwhile, offensive tackle Joshua Ezeudu had his knee drained and missed practice, paving the way for veteran Chris Hubbard to start at left tackle for the second consecutive week.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), OL Joshua Ezeudu (knee), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle), LB Matthew Adams (knee)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (groin/biceps), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (groin), OL Jake Kubas (abdomen), OL John Michael Schmitz (calf), LB Ty Summers (ankle)

Full participant: None

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Giants injury report: Jermaine Eluemunor misses practice

The New York Giants have added right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (groin) to the injury report after not practicing on Friday.

The New York Giants took the field on Friday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered some unfortunate injury news and revealed that right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor would not participate as the result of a groin injury.

Although Daboll wouldn’t rule Eluemunor out for Monday night, embattled offensive tackle Evan Neal stepped in and assumed first-team reps on the right side.

Joshua Ezeudu continues taking first-team reps at left tackle.

“Hopeful,” Daboll said when asked if Eluemunor would play against the Steelers.

The Giants’ full Friday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: LB Brian Burns (groin/Achilles), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), LB Ty Summers (hamstring/ankle), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip)

Limited participant: NT Dexter Lawrence (hip), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (ankle)

Full participant: WR Jalin Hyatt (ribs), WR Byrce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

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Giants injury report: Dexter Lawrence, Adoree’ Jackson not practicing

New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence (hip) was among four players who missed practice on Thursday afternoon.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Thursday afternoon in preparation for a Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Despite the extra day off, head coach Brian Daboll delivered some unfortunate injury news before players took the field. Of note, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott were sidelined.

Although Lawrence was getting more of a rest day, Daboll said Flott would not practice until at least Friday but more than likely, will sit out on Monday Night Football.

“I wouldn’t be able to say week to week. We’ll see where he is tomorrow,” he said. “Probably, I don’t know if he’d be able to make it this week, but I’m not going to rule him out because he hasn’t been ruled out to me.”

With Adoree’ Jackson still sidelined, that created an uphill climb for the Giants.

Meanwhile, punter Jamie Gillan, who has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, took a step forward in his recovery and worked with trainers on the side.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: NT Dexter Lawrence (hip), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), LB Ty Summers (hamstring/ankle), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), CB Tre Hawkins (ankle)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (groin), WR Byrce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Full participant: WR Jalin Hyatt (ribs)

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Giants don’t fare well in 2023 NFL draft re-grade

In a 2023 NFL draft re-grade courtesy of The Athletic, the New York Giants did not fare particularly well but hope remains.

The jury is still out on the 2023 NFL draft class but Diante Lee of The Athletic recently decided to grade the class after just one season.

The New York Giants had seven picks in the draft leading off with Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks at No. 24 overall. He started 15 games and was solid most of the season. He is now considered a No. 1 outside corner, so they appear to have made a good choice in him.

Banks was not likely the Giants’ first choice on their board, however. They were said to be in the market for a wide receiver and it just so happens that four studs were chosen right before they were on the clock in Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnson, May Flowers, and Jordan Addison.

The rest of the draft is still very much a mystery as injuries and underuse left much to be desired.

New York Giants: C-minus

Deonte Banks (No. 24) was a fun watch coming out of college and as a rookie showed the speed, physicality and competitive edge that made him a late riser in the draft process. Jalin Hyatt (No. 73) flashed some downfield ball-tracking skills, but he didn’t separate enough last season to be considered a long-term piece of this offense.

This year, the Giants hope to see some growth in center John Michael Schmitz, cornerback Tre Hawkins III, safety Gervarrius Owens, and defensive lineman Jordon Riley.

Eric Gray is expected to help fill the void left by Saquon Barkley and Hyatt still has to earn the trust of the coaches and quarterbacks.

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CBS Sports ranks Giants’ 2023 rookie class in bottom half of NFL

The New York Giants’ 2023 NFL draft class was ranked in the bottom half of the league by CBS Sports, but they were credited with two hits.

The New York Giants made seven picks in the 2023 NFL draft and most felt confident that general manager Joe Schoen had made the right calls.

In need of talent at multiple positions, the Giants fared well with their limited stock, adding cornerback Deonte Banks, center John Michael Schmitz, and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt with their first three selections.

They rounded things out with running back Eric Gray, cornerback Tre Hawkins III, defensive lineman Jordon Riley, and safety Gervarrius Owens.

All seven of those players saw time on the field this past season but the results weren’t quite what the Giants had hoped. Injuries derailed the development of several rookies while others were stunted due to misuse (see: Gray as a punt returner).

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently ranked all 32 draft classes from 2023 and the Giants landed in the bottom half of the league. However, he did credit them with two hits: Banks and Hyatt.

Hyatt didn’t exactly rekindle all of the magic he had at Tennessee winning down the field on a regular basis. But averaging over 16 yards per snag as a rookie demonstrated there’s a bright future for him if the development as a route runner continues. Sixth-round pick Tre Hawkins was respectable as a rotational cornerback. Second-round pick John Michael Schmitz really struggled with power before his injury. Banks had some hiccups in coverage but mostly dealt with No. 1 receivers in man coverage and snagged two picks while knocking away 11 passes.

Banks has the makings of a solid, long-term CB1 and although he struggled at times, Schmitz still has plenty of upside. Hyatt also performed better than his stats would indicate. He suffered due to poor offensive line and quarterback play.

The Giants remain hopeful that Hawkins can develop into a starter and that Riley eventually becomes a dominant interior defender.

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5 players who could have bigger roles for Giants in 2024

These five players could have bigger and more noteworthy roles for the New York Giants during the 2024 regular season.

The New York Giants finished a disappointing 6-11 in 2023, failing to follow up their encouraging 2022 when they went 9-8, won a Wild Card playoff game, and advanced to the NFC Divisional round.

They hope to turn things around in 2024. If they are to do so, they’ll need to get contributions from some of the younger players on their roster who have not yet established themselves.

Here are five players who should have bigger roles in 2024 for the Giants.