Oshane Ximines, Xavier McKinney designated to return to practice

The New York Giants announced Monday that they have welcomed four players back to their roster.

Linebacker Oshane Ximines and rookie safety Xavier McKinney, who are on injured reserve, have been designated to return to practice. The Giants now have 21 days to activate them or keep them on IR for the rest of the season.

Ximines was originally placed on IR on Oct. 9 with a shoulder injury that he suffered in the team’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. In the first four games of the season, Ximines had three starts, five tackles (four solo), three quarterback hits and one tackle for loss.

The second-year linebacker was a third-round draft pick out of Old Dominion in 2019. During his rookie campaign, Ximines played in all 16 games and was tied for second on the team with 4.5 sacks.

McKinney meanwhile, was drafted No. 36 in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has yet to play in an NFL game due to a fractured left foot that he sustained during training camp.

The Giants also activated punter Riley Dixon and long snapper Casey Kreiter off the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Both players were placed on the list last Wednesday.

Four other Giants players remain on the Reserve/Covid-19 list: kicker Graham Gano, tight end Kaden Smith, tackle Matt Peart and newly-signed wide receiver Dante Pettis.

Coming off of a bye week, the 3-7 Giants will take on the 2-7-1 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.