Giants sign ST/WR Gunner Olszewski to the practice squad; RB Jashaun Corbin being signed

The New York Giants are signing wide receiver and special teamer Gunner Olszewski, per a report from Jordan Raanan of ESPN.

Olszewski is a punt return specialist and was a first team All-Pro for the New England Patriots in 2020.

The Patriots signed Olszewski after the 2019 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Bemidji State, where he played cornerback. The Patriots converted him to wide receiver, and he made their active roster as a rookie. He played the first three seasons of his career in New England before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

Olszewski averaged 17.3 yards per return (and a touchdown) in his All-Pro season, and has averaged 12.0 yards per return on 75 punt returns for the Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Giants have struggled on punt returns. Rookie running back Eric Gray was the punt returner to start the season but struggled with ball security before suffering a calf injury this past weekend against the Washington Commanders. The Giants have also used Adoree’ Jackson, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton at punt returns.

Olszewski also has experience as a kickoff returner, and could bring some much-needed stability to the Giants’ special teams if he’s elevated to the active roster.

Running back move

The Giants are also reportedly poaching running back Jashaun Corbin from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, news that was first reported by Pat Leonard of the Daily News. The Giants need running back depth with both Gray and Gary Brightwell having suffered injuries Sunday against Washington.

Corbin was on the Giants’ practice squad last year and was cut by the team this year at the end of the preseason.