Getty Former New England Patriots wide receiver/returner Gunner Olszewski has signed with the New York Giants practice squad.
The New York Giants have finally addressed their returner need, signing experienced specialist Gunner Olszewski to a practice squad contract on October 23.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan was among those first reporting the news, informing: “[Olszewski] was a first-team All Pro with the [New England] Patriots in 2020. Could be [an] immediate spot for him as a returner with Eric Gray leaving Sunday’s contest with a calf injury on top of his struggles.”
In a follow-up post, Raanan added that “Olszewski has 75 career punt returns with the Patriots and [Pittsburgh] Steelers. He’s averaged 12.0 yards per return.” The current league average is 9.8 yards per punt return according to Raanan.
Obviously, the Giants have had difficulties filling this role in 2023. Gray muffed another punt in Week 7 — his third muff of the year. Then Sterling Shepard replaced the rookie, and he fumbled away a punt too.
At the very least, Olszewski should provide stability, even if he’s not as dynamic a returner as he once was. The 26-year-old was waived by the Steelers on October 20, and also returns kickoffs at a career average of 22.0 yards per attempt.
Giants’ Gunner Olszewski Signing Replaces Cole Beasley With More Useful Asset
Olszewski may replace Gray in terms of position, but in actuality, he replaces veteran wide receiver Cole Beasley on the practice squad.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Beasley and the G-Men would be “mutually parting ways” on October 20. “Beasley asked for his release off the practice squad and it was granted,” he noted.
While Beasley is obviously the much more established pass-catcher of the two, Olszewski’s ability as a returner makes him more of an asset at this time.
As a receiver, Olszewski has caught 15 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown on his career. He’s never been targeted more than seven times during any given NFL season — but that’s not what he’s here to do.
Giants HC Brian Daboll’s Message After Week 7: ‘Focus on Your Job & Putting the Team First’
After the victory over the Washington Commanders, Giants head coach Brian Daboll had an honest message for his team on the NYG mentality going forward.
“I’d just say it’s important to prepare well, do everything you can do to lead up to the game, try and go out there and put your best performance on the field,” he began.
“It doesn’t always happen,” Daboll continued. “I’ve said this before, it’s an up-and-down league. It’s a humbling league. But to stay consistent with your approach — even though you make slight adjustments — and your belief in the players, it’s not for everybody [but] you gotta be able to do that.”
“One week has nothing to do with the next week,” he went on, “whether we lost a close game to the [Buffalo] Bills or we won this close game tonight, it really has no bearing on what we do next week. To keep a consistent attitude, to work with great intention, that’s what’s important.”
The Giants HC finished the thought by saying his players and staff members must continue to “focus on your job and putting the team first.”
“It’s not always easy,” he concluded, “but that’s what the job requires.”
People always talk about organizational culture, and this statement from Daboll felt like the perfect example of what the coach wants this Giants culture to be under his tenure. He could have easily just celebrated the win after a rough 1-5 start, but instead, Daboll wants his locker room to understand that the job’s never done.
If that mentality can survive this season, perhaps Daboll can right the ship long-term.