First cuts are coming up in one week, with NFL teams required to trim their rosters from 90 to 75. With that in mind, here are 12 veteran players who could be considered to be on the New York Giants roster bubble.
These players are not likely to be in the first wave of cuts next week. They are, however, among players who could find themselves on the outside looking in when the roster is trimmed to 53 players before the beginning of the regular season.
Curtis Painter -- After Ryan Nassib impressed vs. the Indianapolis Colts Painter appears to be back to the role of No. 3 quarterback. Unfortunately for him, it seems unlikely the Giants will keep three quarterbacks.
Mario Manningham -- Manningham has watched Corey Washington and Marcus Harris star during the preseason, and most likely pass by him in the fight for a roster spot. The former Giants Super Bowl hero needs to show he can still be an explosive pass catcher, and he hasn't done that yet. If Manningham can't be a consistent part of the offense it's doubtful he makes the team. He certainly can't play on the punt and kickoff coverage units.
John Conner -- Conner is an NFL quality fullback. The Giants, for whatever reason, seem to prefer Henry Hynoski. That makes it unlikely Conner sticks unless the Giants unexpectedly decide to keep two fullbacks.
Trindon Holliday -- The former Denver Broncos punt and kickoff returner finally returned to practice this week after missing nearly all of training camp with a hamstring injury. While Holliday was rehabbing he pretty much watched his chance at a roster spot go up in smoke -- unless, of course, he has a huge impact in the final two preseason games.
Kellen Davis -- The veteran had a nice game Saturday vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Reality, though, is that ALL of the Giants tight ends are probably on the roster bubble.
Michael Cox -- Seems to fighting with Kendall Gaskins for the last running back roster spot -- if the Giants keep either guy, that is.
Charles James -- If the Giants keep six cornerbacks James should be safe. He could lose a spot to rookie Bennett Jackson, though. He could also lose a spot if the Giants only keep five cornerbacks.
Mark Herzlich -- As long as the Giants keep six linebackers Herzlich appears safe. If they keep five, which seems unlikely, he would probably be the odd man out. Spencer Adkins and Justin Anderson are making solid bids to take Herzlich's roster spot.
Jayron Hosley -- The third-year cornerback is suspended for the first four games, meaning he won't be part of the initial 53. The way he has played in three preseason games -- terribly -- he might not ever be part of the 2014 roster.
Josh Brown -- The veteran placekicker is competing with rookie Brandon McManus to keep his job. My instinct is that he will, but McManus has certainly made a strong case for himself.
John Jerry -- The former Miami Dolphins starting guard seems unlikely to win a starting job with the Giants. Brandon Mosley still has that job and second-round pick Weston Richburg seems like next man up. Jerry is a large, lumbering lineman who might not fit what the Giants want.
Dallas Reynolds -- Reynolds can play both guard and center, but so can Richburg. I have Reynolds making the 53-man roster in my latest projection, but he certainly isn't a lock.