Giants Work Out Some Familiar Veterans

The New York Giants have cut down to a 53-man roster, but it might not their final 53-man roster.

As happens throughout the regular season, the Giants had a number of veterans in for a workout after practice on Tuesday.

Dan Williams has been a successful nose tackle with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, but with Damon Harrison and Robert Thomas in-house, as well as Dalvin Tomlinson, it is more likely that the Giants are simply checking in on the 30-year-old veteran.

Of particular note are Akeem Ayers, Jonathan Freeny and John Greco.

The presence of a pair of outside linebackers might be a clue as to the health of Keenan Robinson, who remains in the concussion protocol. It should also be noted that both Ayers and Freeny are more prototypical strong-side linebackers, a position that has no depth behind Devon Kennard.

Ayers is a big, athletic linebacker who was one of the Indianapolis Colts’ top pass rushers in the preseason. Meanwhile, Freeny, who was a defensive end in college, spent the last two years as an outside linebacker for the New England Patriots. He missed most of the 2016 season after a shoulder injury, but he flashed often in the final preseason game between the Giants and Patriots.

The Giants also added outside linebacker Cap Capi, who was very productive rushing the passer for the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason. [Full story]

Greco, who was primarily a right guard, is an aging lineman at 33, but he remained solid for the Cleveland Browns in 2016. Greco suffered a Lisfranc injury back in December, which opened the door to being cut. He is regarded as a versatile lineman, a good run blocker, and a reliable pass protector. The Giants have erred toward youth since Ben McAdoo took over as head coach, but if his foot checks out, Greco could be a name to watch.