Giants Sign Justin Pugh to 53-man Roster

Offensive lineman Justin Pugh, who returned to the Giants on their practice squad earlier this month, has been signed to the 53-man roster.

The 6-foot-5 and 311-pound Pugh was selected out of Syracuse in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Giants with the 19th overall pick, making him the highest player selected in the draft out of Syracuse since defensive end Dwight Freeney was chosen No. 11 overall in 2002 by the Colts.

A diverse offensive lineman who at one point could play anywhere on the line except for center, Pugh has recently settled in at guard during the latter part of his career. he is projected to be the Giants' starting left guard for at least as long as Ben Bredeson, who previously held the role, is needed to play center for rookie John Michael Schmitz.

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Pugh is coming off a torn ACL suffered last year, his final one with the Arizona Cardinals, with whom he signed after the 2017 season as a free agent. He unfortunately had a series of injuries, including a knee issue in 2018 that ended his first season with Arizona early, and then the ACL tear suffered in Week 6 of last season.

In 4,720 pass-blocking snaps, Pugh has allowed 232 pressures and 24 sacks and hasn't allowed more than 21 pressures in a season since 2017, his final year with the Giants.

The Giants waived tight end Lawrence Cager from the 53-man roster to make room for Pugh, the third offensive lineman added to the roster in the last two days. The Giants will look to add Cager back to their practice squad if he clears waivers.

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