The New York Giants made an unexpected decision at wide receiver ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, as they announced their final roster moves — two practice squad elevations — on October 4.
“The Giants activated LB Neville Hewitt and K Jude McAtamney from the practice squad,” NYG team reporter Dan Salomone revealed on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier, upon learning that the Giants would not be elevating or signing an extra wide receiver for Week 5, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan posted the following.
“This is a surprise: The Giants are not elevating WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game, per source,” Duggan stated. “I had figured the vet would get elevated with Malik Nabers out for the season. I know this is being viewed as a big opportunity for Jalin Hyatt, but I’m expecting undrafted rookie Beaux Collins to get most of the reps at No. 3 WR.”
Along with Humphrey, the Giants have veteran WR/returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette and rookie WR/special teams ace Dalen Cambre on the practice squad as well. Apparently, none of the three will get an opportunity in Week 5.
Giants WR Malik Nabers Told Jalin Hyatt That His Injury Is His ‘Chance’ to Break Out
Nabers has proven himself as a true professional both on and off the field since being drafted by Big Blue. His leadership was on full display after his season-ending injury this week.
“[Nabers and I] had a long talk,” Hyatt told reporters this week, on October 1, via SNY. “He’s one of my best friends on this team. And he’s been in my corner. He’s kind of seen the adversity that I’ve been through.”
“He just told me it’s my chance,” Hyatt continued, detailing Nabers’ message for him after the injury. “This is the time for me to do what I’ve got to do.”
Hyatt concluded that he’s going to “be ready,” and that he “can’t wait to go out [on the field] and play Sunday,” alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart.
It appears the Giants’ current plan is to see if Hyatt and Collins can seize the opportunity at wide receiver.
Giants’ Week 5 Elevations vs. Saints Solidify Jude McAtamney as Potential Long-Term Option at Kicker
Hewitt has been called upon as a practice squad elevation twice already due to his special teams impact — as well as the Giants’ injuries at inside linebacker. This is the last time that the Giants can elevate Hewitt during the regular season without signing him to the 53-man roster.
Similarly, McAtamney gets the call for the second straight week, and this is no surprise, considering he went 2-for-2 on field goals and 1-for-1 on extra points in Week 4.
The more McAtamney continues to develop, the more the former international prospect will be seen as a potential long-term option at kicker. Graham Gano is 38 years old, and 2025 marks the third straight season that he’s been sidelined with an injury.
Most members of the Giants beat were surprised that NYG didn’t cut Gano this offseason, for salary cap purposes. If this injury lingers and McAtamney keeps making his kicks, it’ll be difficult to envision Big Blue sticking with Gano in 2026.
The Giants can save $4.5 million in cap space by releasing Gano next offseason, and in all likelihood, they will.
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