Giants’ roster moves: OL Kyle Murphy signed to main roster, two waived

The New York Giants announced a trio of roster moves Friday morning, headlined by the signing of UDFA rookie offensive lineman Kyle Murphy off of the practice squad to the active roster. The Giants also waived G Kenny Wiggins and TE Eric Tomlinson in corresponding roster moves.

“Kyle’s a good young player that’s worth developing,” coach Joe Judge said on Friday. “He’s a guy that worked very hard with Fitz [Director of Strength and Performance Craig Fitzgerald] an d his crew, has changed his body a good bit. I see him moving. He has some athleticism, he’s got some power. He has some nasty to him in how he plays. Young guy worth developing and giving us some depth on the roster.”

Wiggins was signed as insurance at the guard position after Will Hernandez was diagnosed with COVID-19. With Hernandez activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the Giants no longer needed the extra depth at guard. Interestingly, Murphy is listed by the Giants as an offensive tackle, but he has experience at a number of offensive line positions. Our own Joe DeLeone was Murphy’s teammate in college at Rhode Island, and tells me that his best and most comfortable position is guard, though he can play center and tackle as well.

The decision to waive Eric Tomlinson could be a sign that tight end Kaden Smith will clear the concussion protocol in time to play Sunday after practicing fully on Thursday. Tomlinson is a journeyman tight end who has played for a number of teams and has spent much of 2020 bouncing between the Giants’ practice squad and main roster.

The Giants’ decision to waive two players also leaves the Giants with an open roster spot. That spot could be earmarked for linebacker Tae Crowde, who the Giants designated to return from Injured Reserve on Thursday.