John Harbaugh breaks down decisions made on Giants' initial 53-man roster
· Yahoo Sports
Head coach John Harbaugh explained some of the decisions made as the Giants cut down their 53-man roster...
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Keeping OBJ
Harbaugh hinted that Odell Beckham Jr. had done enough to crack the roster following Friday's preseason finale, and just two days later the team made the homecoming official.
Big Blue decided to keep the veteran heading into what will be his 13th NFL season.
"From beginning to end he earned it," Harbaugh said. "He looked like he was ready to help us -- you take the roster, you take the guys, you take the reps, the plays, what you need going into the season, and you pick the best guys.
"He was one of the best guys for us, he earned it, he earned his spot."
Beckham will be rotating in and out with different personnel groups, but he is expected to play a role in the receiver room heading into this season.
"Whatever it is that I need to provide, I'm looking to do that and more," the wideout said. "I've never shied away from competition or anything like that, so I feel like I can still produce and I know that's what I want to do."
The plan for Berrios
One of the receivers who didn't make the cut in that crowded room was Braxton Berrios.
It didn't take long for Berrios to return to the organization after being cut free on Sunday, though, as he rejoined them on the practice squad on Monday.
Harbaugh said the plan is to treat him like he's playing on the 53 Man roster, for now.
"We have an opportunity, the way that you can work the roster now, to do that so that's the plan," he explained.
The Giants expect to have Berrios on their active roster ahead of the season opener, and he is currently penciled in to serve as their top punt returner.
Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants kicker Dominic Zvada (34) celebrates with tight end Chris Manhertz (85) after scoring a field goal against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesFour-man running back room
There had been some buzz around the Giants potentially parting with Tyrone Tracy Jr. after his brutal preseason, but they ultimately elected to hold on to him.
They now head into the season with a bit of a crowded running back room compiled of returning starter Cam Skattebo, recently signed Najee Harris, Tracy, and veteran Devin Singletary.
"We just felt like they were part of our 53 best players, and it wasn't comfortable letting one of them go," Harbaugh said. "We felt all those guys would be able to play a role for us and we'd be able to have those guys contribute."
No concern over rookie kicker
There's always some worry turning your special teams over to a rookie kicker, but the Giants aren't concerned at all.
Young Dominic Zvada was tremendous throughout camp and preseason action, beating out Ben Sauls for what's been a shaky spot for Big Blue over the past few seasons.
Zvada converted all three of his field goals during Friday's finale tune-up.
"He made a bunch of kicks before that, and I'm sure he'll make a bunch in the future," Harbaugh said. "And if Dominic misses one, it's not the end of the world, I learned that -- I think he's going to kick really well for us."
Nic at CB6
One of the players on the roster bubble the team decided to keep around is Nic Jones, with Art Green instead being waived with an injury settlement.
Jones is the sixth and final member of the CB room, but the team likes the versatility he brings.
"Art got nicked up, got the concussion, so that was part of it," Harbaugh said. "But Nic also plays nickel, he can play inside and outside, and he can play some safety -- we feel that he's a valuable piece for us."
Jones appeared in 13 games with the Giants last season, but logged just 20 defensive snaps.