Giants roster moves: RB Jon Hilliman promoted, WR Russell Shepard to IR

The New York Giants made a necessary and expected roster move on Thursday, promoting undrafted free agent running back Jon Hilliman from the practice squad. With Saquon Barkley sidelined, Hilliman will be the backup to Wayne Gallman.

To make room on the 53-man roster for Hilliman, the Giants placed wide receiver Russell Shepard on injured reserve. Shepard injured his left foot in Sunday’s 32-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shepard is in a walking boot with a foot sprain.

Hilliman, 6-0 and 226 pounds, played collegiately at both Rutgers and Boston College. He led the Giants with 25 carries and ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason.

“Jon Hilliman obviously has done a nice job for us through training camp,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “We have him here because we feel like he’s got a chance to be a good player.”

Shepard is in his seventh NFL season. With Golden Tate coming off his four-game suspension after this weekend’s game the Giants were likely to need to drop a wide receiver from the roster, anyway.