The New York Giants have reportedly signed second-year linebacker Devante Downs off of their practice squad.
The New York Giants are adding depth to their linebacking corps, which has depleted for much of this season.
On Tuesday, Big Blue reportedly signed linebacker Devante Downs off their practice squad. The team previously signed Downs to the practice squad on Oct. 1 of this season.
Roster update: Giants waive TE Garrett Dickerson, sign LB Devante Downs from practice squad
Details: https://t.co/2c4IPYTkeb#NYGiants | @primepoint pic.twitter.com/brbyi9IZye
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) October 22, 2019
The Minnesota Vikings selected Downs in the seventh round (No. 225 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of California-Berkeley. Minnesota waived him on Aug. 31 of this year and signed him to the practice squad the following day. They then promoted him to the active roster on Sept. 14, only to waive him again on Sept. 24.
Downs, 24, combined for three tackles in 11 games for the Vikings last year. He appeared in their Week 2 and 3 games this season against the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders, respectively.
It’s unclear at this time what Downs’ exact role will be.
In addition, the Giants have waived tight end Garrett Dickerson. The second-year pro originally went undrafted out of Northwestern. He appeared in four games in 2018 along with three games this year. Through the three matchups this season (against the Redskins, Vikings, and Patriots), Dickerson was on the field for nine total offensive snaps and six special teams snaps.
Dickerson didn’t rack up any receptions for the Giants during last year nor this year.
The Giants are heading into their 1:00 p.m. ET matchup against the Detroit Lions this Sunday sporting a 2-5 record. They’ve lost their last three matchups after starting out 2-2.
