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In a bit of a surprise, the New York Giants have signed veteran running back Peyton Hillis to fill the roster spot vacated Tuesday when Da'Rel Scott was waived/injured.
Giants to sign RB Peyton Hillis, per sources.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 16, 2013
The 27-year-old Hillis had a breakout season with the Cleveland Browns in 2010, gaining 1,177 yards and averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He has bounced around since. He spent 2011 with the Cleveland Browns and 2012 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season he gained 309 yards on 85 carries, 3.6 yards per attempt.
He was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after only one game this season. He did not carry the ball.
The Giants chose the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Hillis instead of D.J. Ware or Ryan Torain, both backs who have spent time with the Giants and are, obviously, familiar with their playbook.
The Giants also added former Louisville running back Jeremy Wright to their practice squad. Wright ran fro 824 yards on 211 carries (3.9 yards per carry) for Louisville last season. He also caught 41 passes and returned six kickoffs, averaging only 14 yards per return.