The New York Giants knew they needed a competent punt returner to replace injured Eric Gray, so they went out and signed former All-Pro Gunner Olszewski to the practice squad. A smart move on the surface, but Olszewski may not solve the biggest problem the Giants have had on special teams.
That problem has been ball security. Rookie running back Gray endured a torrid time trying to field punts cleanly, but he was far from the only guilty party before landing on injured reserve on Tuesday, October 24, per Giants.com.
Gray let another punt go prior to suffering a calf injury against the Washington Commanders in Week 7. His replacement, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, hardly fared any better, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Olszewski is supposed to fix the issues, at least based on his breakout season for the New England Patriots in 2020. The problem is the 26-year-old’s game has regressed since, particularly during an abject spell with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As Dan Duggan of The Athletic noted, Olszewski “has nine career fumbles.”
That number is hardly an ideal credential for Olszewski to solve the myriad of problems the Giants are experiencing in the return game. It may even be beyond the other addition to the practice squad, a player who shares Gray’s position and has experience as a returner.
Gunner Olszewski Has Been in Decline
The Giants needed a replacement for Gray even before injury struck. He simply wasn’t taking to returning punts, tallying less than half the NFL average of 9.8 yards per runback this season, per Raanan.
Olszewski would appear to be the ideal candidate to do what Gray couldn’t, but appearances can be deceptive. There was nothing wrong with what Olszewski brought to the return game for the Pats in 2020.
He averaged 17.3 yards that season, per Pro Football Reference. Olszewski also gained 834 yards bringing back kickoffs during three years in New England.
Those numbers were as good as it got for Olszewski, who couldn’t hold onto the football for the Steelers. His giveaways included a potentially fatal fumble that nearly cost his team the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
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There were other missteps, but the Giants will be hoping they get the All-Pro version of Olszewski. If not, Big Blue will be forced to turn to a familiar face.
Giants Have Other Options to Replace Eric Gray
As well as adding Olszewski, the Giants also brought Jashuan Corbin back to the practice squad. The running back, who began this season with the Carolina Panthers after a stint with the Giants in 2022, confirmed the move on social media.
Corbin has his own experience as a returner, from his collegiate days with Texas A&M. He averaged 25 yards per kick return.
The Giants are casting a wide net to fix their issues in football’s third phase. Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey now has two intriguing options, both of whom can be expected to offer greater big-play potential than Gray.
Olszewski looks more capable of providing an immediate impact, but only if he can put those fumbling issues firmly in the past.
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Eric Gray’s Replacement May Not Solve Giants’ Biggest Problem