Giants designate CB Sam Beal for return from IR

The New York Giants added a new, but familiar face to Wednesday’s practice. Cornerback Sam Beal has been designated for return. The Giants opened a 21-day window today during which he will be able to practice but will not be considered part of the 53-man roster.

New York now has three weeks to decide whether to add Beal to the roster or to send him back to the injured reserve list. During that time, Beal will be allowed to continue practicing. The earliest Beal can play is week nine against the Dallas Cowboys.

Beal has not been on the practice field since training camp. He was included in the team’s first 53-man roster but was placed on IR with a hamstring injury the next day. For this reason, he is eligible for the designation.

If Beal does play against the Cowboys, it would be the first game of his NFL career as he missed all of last year with a shoulder injury. The Giants originally selected him in the third round of the 2018 supplemental draft.

While in college at Western Michigan, Beal played as a wide receiver and defensive back. During his two years at the defensive back position, Beal played 24 games, recording 77 tackles, including 53 solo and two interceptions.

There is no guarantee that Beal stays healthy in the upcoming week, especially for a player who’s professional career has been dominated by injuries. But a 6-foot-1, 177-pound back could add some much-needed depth for the Giants who currently rank 30 amongst all NFL teams in passing defense, allowing 285 yards per game.