The New York Giants on Saturday signed wide receiver Jalin Hyatt off their practice squad to the 53-man roster, filling the spot vacated when they released quarterback Jake Haener earlier in the week.
The Giants traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Hyatt in the third round, and he has had a disappointing career to this point. In three seasons, Hyatt has caught only 36 passes. Over the past two seasons, that total is just 13.
New head coach John Harbaugh gave Hyatt an opportunity, however, similar
to the one he gave to Deonte Banks and other previously disappointing Giants draft picks.
Hyatt, despite an injury that cost him time during training camp, was impressive enough in the summer to earn a spot on the practice squad.
Hyatt has played in just one game for the Giants this season, and has no catches.
With wide receiver/kick returner Charlie Jones ailing with a hand injury, Hyatt provides depth at receiver and could fill in as a kickoff returner. Hyatt averaged 27.8 yards on four kickoff returns last season.
With Hyatt moving to the 53-man roster, the Giants re-signed Haener to their practice squad.
Practice squad elevations
The Giants elevated two players from their practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles — running back Phil Mafah and defensive end Dawuane Smoot.
With Tyrone Tracy on IR and Cam Skattebo doubtful with a hamstring injury, the Giants have only Devin Singletary and Gregory Desrosiers as healthy backs on their active roster.
Mafah, 6-foot-1, 232 pounds, was a seventh-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft. He played in just one game, getting five carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. Mafah signed to the practice squad in mid-September after being waived by Dallas.
Smoot, 31, is in his 10th NFL season. The 6-foot-3, 264-pound 31-year-old was signed to the practice squad in mid-October.
