New York Giants roster moves: COVID-19 shuffling begins

With roster uncertainty hovering because of COVID-19 issues, the New York Giants on Friday made some roster moves to begin protecting themselves before Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rookie running back Gary Brightwell has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Brightwell did not show up on injury report under COVID protocol until Thursday. Brightwell has been a key special teams contributor for the Giants this season.

The Giants could also be without special teamer Nate Ebner, who has not practiced this week with an ankle injury.

Linebacker Benardrick McKinney has been elevated to the roster as a COVID-19 replacement. McKinney has played in two games for the Giants, making three tackles in 39 defensive snaps.

The Giants also officially added defensive back Steven Parker, who played for Patrick Graham with the Miami Dolpohins in 2019, to the practice squad. Jabrill Peppers is on IR and Xavier McKinney is currently in COVID protocol, with his status for Sunday uncertain.