Giants Release LB Nate Stupar

The Giants announced they have released backup inside linebacker Nate Stupar.

Stupar was acquired off waivers from the Saints last season before the Giants opened their regular-season campaign. He served as a backup inside linebacker and core special teamer, appearing in all 16 games with one start.

Stupar finished with 14 total tackles, but was second on the team in special teams tackles with eight (seven solo).

Stupar, who had been on the Giants injury report with a concussion, is the nephew of one-time Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler. His role will be filled by linebacker David Mayo, the one-time Carolina Panthers player whom the Giants acquired this week.

The Giants now have an open roster spot to fill. They could be looking to elevate tight end C.J. Conrad from the practice squad since Garrett Dickerson (quad) isn't going to play this week.

Another possibility is they might be looking to elevate cornerback Corn Elder from the practice squad since Antonio Hamilton (adductor) and DeAndre Baker (knee) are still on the team's injury report.

Another, though less likely possibility would be leaving the roster spot vacant for the time being so that next week they can add a veteran to the 53-man roster and not have that veteran's full salary automatically guaranteed against the Giants' 2019 alary cap.

That would be a longshot scenario though, as it's unlikely the Giants would take just 52 men into Dallas this weekend. However, the Giants could be looking to wait to add a veteran player in week 2 at which point his salary wouldn't be guaranteed for the current league year.