The New York Giants have signed running back Austin Walter off the practice squad ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Patriots.
Big Blue has added depth to their running back position, a spot that’s depleting heading into Week 6.
On Thursday, the New York Giants signed running back Austin Walter off the practice squad. New York originally signed him to the practice squad on Sept. 18 after he was waived by the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 31. Walter played his college ball at Rice University and went undrafted this past Spring.
Roster update: The Giants have terminated the contract of QB Alex Tanney and signed RB Austin Walter from the practice squad.
#NYGiants | @primepoint pic.twitter.com/N8PW3TNGHb— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) October 10, 2019
Walter played in 49 games for Rice from 2015-18. In that time, he rushed for 1,744 yards and 13 touchdowns on 5.1 yards-per-carry. He additionally caught 79 balls for 803 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
The rookie will work alongside running backs Jon Hilliman and Elijhaa Penny in the absence of Saquon Barkley (ankle) and Wayne Gallman (concussion).
New York has also terminated the contract of Alex Tanney. Big Blue originally signed Tanney in 2018 and then re-signed him prior to the 2019 season. Last season, Tanney served as an emergency backup to Eli Manning. However, this year, he transitioned into more of a third-string quarterback-type role with rookie Daniel Jones also on the roster.
Tanney has only played in one regular-season game in his career. In Week 17 of the 2015 season, while a member of the Tennessee Titans, he completed 10 of 14 throws for 99 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
There’s a possibility Tanney could get re-signed at some point. The Giants may just be releasing him in order to clear the roster spot for Walter to step in and provide temporary assistance.
The Giants and Patriots kick off on Thursday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. ET.
