9 Giants Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s NFL Roster Deadline

WR/KR Gunner Olszewski

Gunner Olszewski made a significant impact on the Giants' special teams operation after he was acquired prior to Week 8 last season. The unit wasn’t one of the best in the league, but the addition of Olszewski made them competent when the previous product couldn’t advance the ball past the 20-yard line half the time. 

However, the Giants brought in some competition this summer when they signed Isaiah McKenzie to reunite with Brian Daboll from their Buffalo days. While Olszewski went down with a groin injury, McKenzie stepped into the starting role and flashed some potential as a kickoff and punt returner, taking 13 total for 135 yards and an average return of 8.7 to 27.3 yards per attempt. 

In Game 2 against Houston, McKenzie had three kickoff returns and averaged 27.7 yards on each and one punt return for 12 yards. He had some difficulties securing the football from oncoming tacklers, where Olszewski tends to have the edge, but has both the speed and elusiveness to help make the Giants' special teams department look better under new coordinator Michael Ghobrial. 

Plus, he already has familiarity with the system from his connection to Schoen and Daboll with the Bills and showed in the Jets game that he can contribute to the passing attack. He had two catches for 15 yards and a long catch of 10 yards, but was targeted frequently which is a sign he could earn some reps as the sixth receiver on the depth chart. 

The Giants don’t have an idea of how long Olszewski will be sidelined and it is important that they have a solid option in place, especially as the league implements the “dynamic” kickoff this season and changes how special teams will function. McKenzie has proven to be the best guy on their 90-man roster right now and will make the 53-man party over Olszewski.