OLB Trent Harris being added to Giants’ practice squad

In need of help at outside linebacker with both Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines on injured reserve, the New York Giants are signing Trent Harris, who spent last season with the Miami Dolphins.

Giants coach Joe Judge confirmed Wednesday that the 25-year-old Harris is being signed to the team’s practice squad.

Harris spent 2018 on the New England Patriots’ practice squad. Judge was special teams coach there at the time. Harris played in 11 games with 3 starts for Miami last season, compiling 1.5 sacks and 22 tackles. Giants’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham had that job with the Dolphins in 2019.

“I think he has a good skillset in terms of setting the edge, some pass rush ability. We’ll see where he’s at through the week of practice,” Judge said. “We’re going to work all the guys on our roster and practice squad every week within the game plan and see what pieces fit best for us. But he’s a lunch pail type of guy. He comes to work every day, doesn’t say much, just works, good team-first personality. He’ a good match for what we’re looking for right now. We’ll look to see what opportunities present itself to him.”

With Carter and Ximines on IR, the Giants currently have two slots open on their 53-man roster. Whether one of those goes to Harris could be determined by whether or not the Giants think he can be ready to contribute Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

The Giants are also monitoring the health of wide receiver Sterling Shepard (turf toe) and linebacker David Mayo (surgery for torn meniscus). Both are eligible to come off IR.