Giants cut reserve offensive tackle, sign wide receiver reinforcements

jaydon mickens, new york giants
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jaydon Mickens (4) reacts after a play in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret the New York Giants need wide receiver support, especially with Richie James suffering a second concussion and likely missing this upcoming Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. After tying against Washington in Week 13, the Giants need to emerge victorious, putting them in the driver’s seat for a playoff appearance.

With that being said, they cut one reserve offensive tackle and signed a veteran pass catcher to the practice squad via the Giants, but I wouldn’t expect much support with the lack of experience with quarterback Daniel Jones.

New York Giants roster moves:

Terminated from Practice Squad: T Roy Mbaeteka

Roy Mbaeteka had served as a second international player this season, but with Sandro Platzgummer currently on the roster as well, they could only save one of the two as an international exemption. Unfortunately, Mbaeteka grabbed the short end of the stick.

Practice Squad Veteran Signing: WR Jaydon Mickens

In place of Mbaeteka, the Giants signed veteran receiver Jaydon Mickens, who has played 38 career games at the NFL level. He started his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2017 and spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well.

Mickens has hauled in 15 receptions for 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns, most of which came during his rookie season with Jacksonville when he was 23 years old. He has a 62.5% career catch rate but has mostly been utilized on punt returns.

In 2021 with Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, he returned 14 punts, totaling 136 yards and 9.7 yards per return. He’s also capable of taking kickoffs, averaging 23.2 yards per return last season.

At this point in time, I wouldn’t expect to see Mickens feature much as a pass catcher but more so as a kick returner, which is a position the Giants are desperately trying to fill without risking their top talent (cough, cough, Adoree Jackson).

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