Giants roster moves: Quadree Henderson added, TE Garrett Dickerson waived

The concussion that we previously knew would keep wide receiver/kick returner Jawill Davis out of Monday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons has forced the New York Giants into a roster move. Needing a return man, the Giants are waiving rookie tight end Garrett Dickerson and signing Quadree Henderson from their practice squad.

Henderson, a rookie undrafted free agent, was a dangerous return man collegiately for Pitt. Henderson averaged 26.6 yards with four TDs on 73 kickoff returns and 13.4 yards with three touchdowns on 37 punt returns in college. The 5-foot-8, 190-pounder can also play wide receiver.

“He was a really fine returner in college and we brought him here with the idea that he might return for us at some point,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “He’s also done a good job picking up the receiver stuff.”

Davis, a rookie undrafted free agent, has averaged 24.4 yards on seven kickoff returns. He has also caught two passes.

Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey was complementary of Davis’ progress Friday — before the news of his being placed in the concussion protocol was known.

“He’s a young player. He’s getting better every week. He is definitely ascending. The arrow is up with that kid,” McGaughey said. “He averaged 29 yards a return last time he was out there. The week before, it was 21. So each week, you’re seeing some progression with him. He’s getting more confident as a gunner. The kid is talented. We’re just going to keep nurturing talent.”

Dickerson has played in two games for the Giants. He started the season on the practice squad before being promoted to the 53-man roster. Should he clear waivers, Dickerson will likely end up back on the practice squad.

The Giants are thin at receiver, having placed Cody Latimer and Davis on IR, and with Russell Shepard [neck] questionable. They added veteran Bennie Fowler this week to replace Latimer.