New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones may be cleared for contact and returning to practice on Wednesday, but the team still has issues at the position.
Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor is considered “week-to-week” after suffering a severe rib cage injury during a Week 8 loss to the New York Jets. He has yet to be placed on injured reserve (IR) but will not be available this Sunday.
Accordingly, the Giants have signed rookie Tommy DeVito from their practice squad. He will now serve as Jones’ backup.
DeVito, who had been elevated for the maximum three games this season, went 2-of-7 for -1 yard passing in relief of Taylor last week.
Taking DeVito’s spot on the practice squad is Matt Barkley, the former Buffalo Bills quarterback who worked out for the Giants earlier this month.
The 33-year-old Barkley was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2013 NFL draft. He quickly became a journeyman, making stops with nine different teams over his 11-year career, including two stints with the aforementioned Bills.
The Giants also released center Jaylon Thomas from their practice squad and signed wide receiver/return specialist Gunner Olszewski to replace him.
Olszewski was signed to the Giants’ 53-man roster before their game against the Jets and served as their punt returner, averaging 9.3 yards per return. He had his contract terminated after the game but general manager Joe Schoen always intended to bring him back.
Olszewski will almost certainly be elevated ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
