Final New York Giants Initial 53-man Roster Projection

The New York Giants 2023 preseason schedule is in the books, and roster cuts have already trickled out.

We initially posted our 53-man roster projection before the game and have updated it here. The changes are in italics.

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor
Out: Tommy DeVito

No change.

Running backs (4)

In: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Jashaun Corbin
Out: James Robinson, Gary Brightwell

The Giants have already terminated the contract of running back James Robinson. As I noted in my other projection, Brightwell's chances of staying on the roster suffered a significant dent when the team decided to have rookie Eric Gray handle all the returner duties. It also hasn't helped Brightwell that he's been sidelined by a lower-body injury that has cost him valuable practice time.

With Robinson out, I think that swings open the door for Jashaun Corbin to make this team if the Giants keep four running backs.

Wide receivers (7)

In: Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell, Jalin Hyatt, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Sterling Shepard, Wan’Dale Robinson
Out: Collin Johnson, Jamison Crowder, David Sills V, Kalil Pimpleton, Jaydon Mickens, Cole Beasley,

Jaydon Mickens has already been waived. The only question is whether the Giants will activate Wan'Dale Robinson off PUP or leave him there. I've heard there is a chance that they will do the former, giving the second-year player a couple of weeks to work himself into game shape.

The question involves Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who suffered a knee injury in last night's game. If that injury is significant, I can see them carrying seven receivers initially and then moving Ford-Wheaton, whom they like for special teams, to injured reserve, where he'd be eligible to return after four weeks if ready.

Tight ends (3)

In: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager
Out: Tommy Sweeney, Chris Myarick, Ryan Jones

No changes to the projection here.

However, I believe Tommy Sweeney, who suffered a medical event last week, could be placed on a reserve list (non-football illness, perhaps?) Also, I wonder what becomes of Chris Myarick, who suffered a broken hand in the preseason loss to the Jets. I had him pegged for the practice squad, but it depends on how significant the injury is and whether that opens the door for Ryan Jones.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal, Josh Ezeudu, Tyre Phillips, Sean Harlow, Marcus McKethan
Out: Korey Cunningham, Wyatt Davis, Julién Davenport, Shane Lemieux, Matt Peart, Jack Anderson

After last night's performance, I cannot justify keeping Matt Peart on my roster projection. I still think the Giants will go with ten offensive linemen, but the tenth guy might not be on the roster yet.

I thought Sean Harlow performed well along the interior, where perhaps he might have a chance at the 53 as the backup center. And I'm curious to see if Wyatt Davis's high ankle sprain suffered last night lands him on IR, as I suspect might be the case.

Defensive linemen (6)

In: Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, A’Shawn Robinson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordon Riley, Ryder Anderson
Out: DJ Davidson, Donovan Jeter, Kobe Smith, Kevin Atkins, Brandin Bryant

No changes here. (Kevin Atkins has already been waived, a source confirms.)

Linebackers (9)

In: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Tomon Fox, Jihad Ward, Isaiah Simmons, Bobby Okereke, Darrian Beavers, Micah McFadden, Carter Coughlin
Out: Oshane Ximines, Habakkuk Baldonado, Tashawn Bower, Ray Wilborn, Dyontae Johnson, Cam Brown

No changes.

Cornerbacks (5)

In: Adoree’ Jackson, Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins, Amani Oruwariye
Out: Aaron Robinson (PUP), Zyon Gilbert, Gemon Green, Darren Evans, Darnay Holmes

I am still not 100 percent convinced that Oruwariye will make the roster, as he hasn't been overly impressive all preseason. He was flagged for interference in solo coverage against Garrett Wilson and was beaten on the 2-point conversion. His off-coverage is also a problem, yielding a lot of yardage for the opposing team to move the chains. Even his tackling is suspect, as he often dives for the ankles.

I don't think the fifth cornerback is on this roster just yet. Given the injury to Zyon Gilbert, who I might have kept ahead of Oruwariye, the veteran perimeter corner survives for the time being but will likely be on the roster in two weeks if the Giants can find an upgrade.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier McKinney, Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton, Nick McCloud, Gervarrius Owens
Out: Bobby McCain, Alex Cook

No changes. McCloud has been dealing with a groin injury, but he should be ready for the regular-season opener in a couple of weeks.

Specialists (3)

In: K Graham Gano, P Jamie Gillan, LS Casey Kreiter
Out: LS Cam Lyons

No changes.

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