New York Giants Add RB Rod Smith and CB Ryan Lewis to the Practice Squad

In a pair of moves, the New York Giants have signed both Rod Smith and Ryan Lewis to the practice squad, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.

By joining the practice squad, Smith will be coming back to East Rutherford, where he spent a portion of last summer with the New York Giants. Rod Smith has played the majority of his five-year career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith played behind one of the league’s best running backs, Ezekiel Elliott, during his time with the Cowboys. When Elliott was suspended six games in 2017, Smith totaled a career-high 232 rushing yards and four touchdowns. This gave Smith some of the best in-game experience of his career and demonstrated that he is a solid reserve back. As a Giant, Smith will be insurance behind the tandem of Saquon Bakley, Dion Lewis, and Wayne Gallman.

The landing spot with Big Blue is ideal for Smith as he is familiar with Saquon Barkley and the team. Last summer, Smith called Barkley “the engine of the team” and praised the young running back.

The second of the two roster moves is the signing of Ryan Lewis to the practice squad, another player that will be familiar with his new environment. Lewis spent his second NFL season as a member of the Dolphins defense last year and played under current Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. For Miami, Lewis recorded five pass deflections and one interception in three starts.

While this signing is not earth-shattering, it should add some much-needed depth in the reserves for a team that has a young and unproven secondary.