Wide receiver and kick returner Braxton Berrios did not make the New York Giants' 53-man roster at the deadline on Sunday night. He was released and signed back to the practice squad on Monday.
That doesn't mean he won't be a significant part of the team. The Giants intend to have Berrios as their primary return man come their regular-season opener September 13 versus the Dallas Cowboys.
"The plan with Berrios is to treat him like he's playing on the 53," head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. "We have an opportunity, the way that you can work the roster now, to do that. And that's the plan."
Harbaugh said Berrios would be the team's primary punt returner. Berrios' performance in the Giants' 23-6 preseason win over the Jets last Friday
had no bearing on him being cut (he lost a fumble inside the five-yard line). It is more about roster manipulation.
The Giants presumably did not want to waive tight end Thomas Fidone II, fearing he'd be claimed by another team. So they cut Berrios, a vested veteran with control over his rights, and he'll return via the practice squad route.
The Giants currently have just five wide receivers on their active roster: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Odell Beckham Jr., Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney. They actually need a sixth, and Berrios will be that player.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants intend to treat Braxton Berrios like he's on the 53-man roster
