The New York Giants are leaving no stone unturned in their search for more big plays, no matter when they can find them, offense or special teams, after signing a former New York Jets playmaker who can ease concerns about wide receiver and kick returner Wan’Dale Robinson.
Big Blue claimed Xavier Gipson off waivers on Thursday, September 11, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The latter’s colleague Jordan Raanan noted how this can work for the Giants because “one of their KRs, Wan’Dale Robinson, is dealing with an ankle injury that happened on a kickoff. So could be an immediate role for Gipson.”
While the length of Robinson’s problem is not known, the Giants adding Gipson still rates as a surprise. Especially with an All-Pro still on the books in the return game.
As Dan Duggan of The Athletic pointed out, “This is an interesting claim with Gunner Olszewski healthy. This puts seven WR on the roster, with two essentially being return specialists.”
Gipson doesn’t need to be a luxury on the depth chart. Not when he has a proven history of making game-changing plays in football’s third phase.
The Giants need more of those, but not by risking a primary pass-catcher like Robinson to a greater threat of injury.
Xavier Gipson Adds Juice to Giants Return Game
Gipson knows how to break a game open, the way he did to beat the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of the 2023 season. This 66-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime announced the undrafted free agent as a returner of considerable merit.
For his career, Gipson has averaged an impressive 8.9 yards returning punts and 26 yards running back kicks, per Pro Football Reference. Those numbers can help Gipson rival Olszewski for work, provided the newcomer can overcome a key problem.
It’s an issue of ball security. Gipson fumbled in a pivotal moment when the Jets were beaten 34-32 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Fumbles have also blighted Olszewski, so the Giants are taking a chance on Gipson.
While it’s a risk, doubling down on explosive returners can at least free Robinson to focus more on playing receiver, where he impressed last week.
Wan’Dale Robinson Made Solid Start to Pivotal Seaon
Robinson is in a contract year, so the second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft needs a big season. He got started the right way by snagging six catches for 55 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
Although those numbers were tallied in a losing cause, Robinson’s efforts against the Giants‘ NFC East rivals hinted at a much-needed revival from a key target. He’s a natural slot receiver, but Robinson’s numbers were expected to suffer after the Giants handed the starting quarterback job to 36-year-old Russell Wilson, a veteran who thrives more attacking coverage vertically, than throwing underneath.
Instead, Robinson was busy against the Commanders, averaging 5.7 yards after catch per reception, per Pro Football Reference. Being more dynamic after the catch is a priority for Robinson, so it’s good news he practiced on Thursday, according to Raanan.
Not stressing Robinson’s ankle with return work is a smart move when he’s starting to reassert himself in a passing game still needing versatility and production.
Giants Claim Jets WR Amid Wan’Dale Robinson Concern