The New York Giants signed Braxton Berrios to their practice squad on Monday, anticipating his participation in their Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Head coach John Harbaugh stated, "The plan with Berrios is to treat him like he’s playing on the 53[-man roster]."
Berrios, a vested veteran, was cut on Sunday before the roster deadline but had a handshake agreement to return, allowing the Giants to retain another player who might have been subject to waivers. Harbaugh confirmed that Berrios will serve as the team's punt returner.
The Giants have the option to elevate Berrios for the game against the Cowboys or to fully sign him to the active roster by making a corresponding move, such as placing another player on injured reserve. Players on the practice squad can be elevated for game day three times during the season.
On Monday, the Giants made no waiver claims and were fifth in the waiver order. Darius Muasau was the only player cut by the Giants who was claimed by another team, the New England Patriots.
The Giants retained four running backs, including Tyrone Tracy Jr., despite a challenging preseason. Harbaugh noted, "The four backs were part of our 53 best players, and it wasn’t comfortable letting one of those guys go." Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary round out the running back group.
Additionally, the Giants signed Jake Haener, who was waived on Sunday, to their practice squad as their third-string quarterback. They also signed Jalin Hyatt, a former third-round pick, to the practice squad after he missed time in training camp due to a leg injury.
Other players signed to the practice squad include WR Dalen Cambre, LB Chandler Martin, OLB Trace Ford, FB Grant Finley, DL Josh Tupou, S Raheem Layne, CB JT Woods, OL Ryan Schernecke, DL Ben Barten, and OL Jarrod Gray (international). This leaves the Giants with four remaining spots under the limit of 16, plus one player in the international pathway program.