The New York Giants moved closer to finalizing their 53-man roster, trimming several veterans and unit groups as the roster drop continued.
Among the first eight players cut on Friday were wide receivers Montrell Washington, Zach Pascal, and Jordan Bly, along with inside linebackers Dyontae Johnson and K.J. Cloyd, offensive linemen Jimmy Morrissey and Jaison Williams, and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune. The releases tighten up the competition at the pass-catching spots behind the established trio of Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, and they clear room for youngsters like Jalin Hyatt and undrafted rookie Beaux Collins to push for roster spots.
Receivers coach Mike Groh praised the group for their competitiveness and preparation, saying they’ve all taken their opportunities and made it hard on those making the final decisions. Hyatt, in particular, has had moments of standout play this summer, including a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jameis Winston against the Patriots after some early drops in camp. Head coach Brian Daboll noted Hyatt’s productive response on that drive, even as he acknowledged a few plays he’d like to have back.
Jordan Bly’s departure is another reminder of the depth at receiver. Bly’s father, Dre Bly, is a Jets assistant defensive backs coach, which adds an extra layer of storylines to his time with the Giants. Johnson, who spent two years with the Giants and appeared in two games this past season after a stay on the practice squad as an undrafted rookie in 2023, has been part of the roster conversation before, and his release reflects the ongoing competition at the position and completion of special teams roles.
The Giants still face a long runway of cuts, with 39 players to drop before the Tuesday 4 p.m. deadline. Historically, players who are among the first round of cuts have not always surfaced on the practice squad, which can shape the team’s approach to depth and development under Daboll.
On the field, rookie running back Cam Skattebo made his NFL debut in Thursday’s game after returning from a hamstring issue. He had a late start to practice return, but his mindset has been focused on getting healthy and earning a chance to contribute. Skattebo’s candid remarks showed his commitment to the process: “I love the game of football, so I’m going to do everything I can to be on the field.”
Defensively, safety and cornerback competition continues to play out. Safety TJ Moore, who left Thursday’s game with a leg injury and underwent surgery planned for the coming days, remains hospitalized and will be monitored as he proceeds through treatment.
Off the line, guard Evan Neal faced a demanding test in his second preseason game at a new position, yielding four pressures on 24 pass-blocking snaps as he shifts from right tackle to guard. Daboll framed Neal’s performance in a balanced light, noting some clean pockets and movement in the running game, while acknowledging room for improvement.
At the tight end spot, Greg Dulcich continues to show why he’s one of the NFL’s most productive preseason targets, pacing the group with two receptions against Tommy DeVito and one from Jaxon Dart. Dulcich’s sustained production, along with the presence of rookie Thomas Fidone and Daniel Bellinger in the mix, keeps the competition open for what could be one of the league’s deeper positional groups.
What to watch next:
– How the Giants fill out the final 53, including potential practice squad moves around the receiver room.
– Hyatt’s continued development and how he adapts to NFL routes and physicality.
– The health timeline for TJ Moore and the impact on defensive back depth.
– Neal’s transition back to guard and how the offensive line jells as a unit.
– Dulcich and the tight end depth chart as the preseason wraps up.
Overall, the Giants appear to be tightening the roster with a competitive mindset, balancing proven contributors with young players who have flashed upside. The ongoing assessments in Philadelphia and beyond will determine how the depth charts take shape and how the offense, which has shown flashes of sophistication, can continue to grow with Nabers, Slayton, and Robinson at the core.
Summary: The Giants are trimming to 53 while refining competition at wide receiver, offensive line, and depth roles. Injuries and camp performances continue to influence the final decisions, but the team remains optimistic about building a versatile unit that can contribute across multiple packages.
Positive note: The continued development of Hyatt and the overall depth at receiver offer encouraging signs for the offense as it moves toward the regular season.