The New York Giants are thin and tight end to open up training camp after placing rookie Theo Johnson on the PUP list last week. Losing Johnson in addition to losing veteran Darren Waller to retirement earlier this offseason has left the Giants’ tight end room in murky water.
Two days into training camp, a hidden gem seems to be emerging from the rubble. Lawrence Cager has stood out and made highlight plays through the first couple of days of camp, adding excitement and intrigue that he could sneak his way onto the final 53-man roster at the end of the summer.
Lawrence Cager has stood out through the first couple of summer practices
Johnson’s absence from the lineup has opened up opportunities for other tight ends on the current roster. Cager has taken advantage of those opportunities, getting frequently involved as a receiver during the first two practices.
He made a highlight play on day one of training camp, hauling in a deep touchdown grab delivered by second-string quarterback Drew Lock:
Cager scored another touchdown on Thursday as he “made a great catch falling out of the back of the end zone while keeping his feet in bounds,” according to the team’s official practice report. This time the pass was delivered by Daniel Jones, indicating Cager has earned some playing time with the first team lineup.
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Could Cager steal a spot on the Giants’ final roster?
Cager has been a fringe roster player and practice squad contributor for Big Blue over the past couple of seasons. He’s appeared in 17 games for the G-Men, making three starts and totaling 17 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
This year, with Waller no longer with the team, Cager could push for a 53-man roster spot. If he continues to play well this summer, Cager could push to overtake the likes of Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll as one of the Giants’ backup tight ends.
Daniel Bellinger is expected to be the team’s starting tight end on the depth chart with rookie The Johnson second in line once he returns from injury. However, who will be behind those two on the depth chart is up for grabs. Cager’s ability to make plays as a receiver from the tight end position could make him a valuable player to hold onto the roster this season.
