Full Breakdown
Giants Finalize 53-Man Roster and Begin Building Practice Squad
9/1/2026, 2:01:36 AM
Giants Trim to 53, Begin Practice Squad Build
After the league-mandated reduction from the offseason 90-player limit, the New York Giants announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. The cutdown cleared the way for the team to start assembling its practice squad, which can hold up to 16 players—or 17 if an International Pathway Program (IPP) exemption is used.
Background: Roster Cuts and the Harbaugh Era
The roster moves mark the first regular-season roster under head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh emphasized that “everything must be earned,” noting that spots were awarded based on performance throughout offseason workouts and the preseason finale. Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who signed on June 1, earned his place after a preseason showing that included three catches for 53 yards. The Giants also dealt with a torn ACL suffered by wide receiver Calvin Austin III during camp, removing him from the active roster.
Practice Squad Projections vs. Confirmed Signings
Initial projections listed 16–17 players the Giants were expected to retain on the practice squad, including running back Damon Bankston, safety Raheem Layne, and fullback Grant Finley. Subsequent reports confirmed several of those names and added others:
- Confirmed additions: WR Braxton Berrios, WR Dalen Cambre, FB Grant Finley, DL Josh Tupou, DB Raheem Layne, QB Jake Haener, WR Jalin Hyatt, LB Chandler Martin, CB J.T. Woods, OT Ryan Scherencke, OLB Trace Ford, and OT Jarrod Gray (IPP exemption).
- Projected but unconfirmed: RB Damon Bankston, DT Zacch Pickens, DL Ben Barten, and others listed in the earlier projection.
The Giants did not submit any waiver claims following the cutdown, and none of their waiver targets were awarded to the team.
Data & Statistics
- Practice-squad capacity: 16 slots (17 with IPP exemption).
- Players cleared for practice squad: 13 confirmed signings, plus the IPP-exempt OT Jarrod Gray.
- Waiver activity: No successful claims; the team placed multiple players on waivers, including DL Anquin Barnes Jr., S Beau Brade, and RB Eric Gray.
Official Statements & Responses
The organization also highlighted the value of the practice squad as an “extension of the 53-man roster,” a sentiment echoed by a Lions staff member in a separate article but adopted by Giants personnel to describe their developmental approach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’re not just out here; you’re not just a token body,” — Campbell
What’s Next
The Giants’ first regular-season game is scheduled for September 13 on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. The practice squad will continue to evolve as cleared-waiver players decide whether to re-join the organization, and as the team prepares for in-season elevations and injuries.
