Preston Parker needed a job, and now the Giants need him

Preston Parker was out of the NFL and out of a job a year. What was he doing? "Begging for money, that's all. Trying to find a job," Parker said earlier this week. Now, Parker is with the New York Giants and they are begging him to become a productive player -- quickly.

Parker is now the Giants' No. 3 wide receiver with Jerrel Jernigan lost for the season, which essentially means he is a starter since the Giants have utilized three-wide receiver sets on more than 100 of the 125 offensive playsin the first two games.

"It's an opportunity. You just have to go and attack it. That's why, as I said, I practice hard. Things happen like this in the NFL. When they do, you have to step up and do your best," Parker said.

Parker, 27, caught 40 passes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 but did not have a reception in 2012 and did not have an NFL job in 2013. He ended up building Tiki huts.

"You've got to eat," Parker said.

The Giants signed him to a reserve/futures contract during the offseason and Parker did enough as a receiver and kick/punt returner to make the team. He has been the Giants' punt returner the first two games, and will now add full-time receiver to his duties.

Could Parker turn into a good play for Fantasy Football owners, as well as a guy the Giants need? Perhaps, if he can make more plays like the 29-yard reception he had Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $350,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 3's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first place wins $30,000. Starts Sunday, Sept. 21st at 1 p.m. ET. Here's the link.