They need all of their top defensive backs available as they prepare to stop Los Angeles Rams’ All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua in Week 2, but the New York Giants are instead facing a crisis at cornerback after a worrying triple injury update involving a $54-million cover man. Big Blue have responded by signing a corner from the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of Monday Night Football.
The signing was necessary so the Giants don’t make the trip to SoFi Stadium dangerously light in the secondary. They could after Paulson Adebo didn’t practice on Thursday, September 17 because of a knee problem, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Another cornerback, Deonte Banks, was limited with a calf issue, along with fellow starter Greg Newsome II. Those problems prompted the Giants swiping Nikko Reed off the Bolts’ practice squad later in the same day, per Raanan and his colleague Kris Rhim.
Reed lands on the Giants active roster with them short on healthy cornerbacks. Paulson Adebo didn’t practice Thursday. Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome were limited.
Reed is the second undrafted cornerback the Giants have added in as many days. The new additions may not be enough to halt a growing crisis Nacua and the Rams can exploit.
Nikko Reed a Safe Choice for Giants
The Giants played it safe by signing Reed. Head coach John Harbaugh likely received useful intel from his brother and Chargers’ boss, Jim.
Frankly, there may not have been much information for the Giants to use. Especially since Reed has only made a mere five appearances in the pros, all of them last season.
Reed is at least a versatile defensive back who can line up in the slot and has a nose for the ball. He logged two sacks, eight tackles for loss and five interceptions during his collegiate career at Oregon, per Sports Reference.
The 23-year-old’s position flexibility will give the Giants options if they have to promote Reed off the practice squad to the active roster for Week 2.
If that happens, Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will be embroiled in a full-blown crisis at the top of the depth chart at cornerback.
Paulson Adebo Adding to Growing CB Crisis
Adebo’s declining performances were already a concern for the Giants, but his injury status is potentially a bigger issue. Particularly when his absence from practice is couple with Banks being limited.
Banks has been enjoying a career revival in 2026 that’s included taking Adebo’s starting job. The Giants were counting on Banks and Newsome helping make Wilson’s schemes work.
Unfortunately, Newsome’s already been in the wars. He suffered a concussion scare against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Now Newsome’s dealing with a rib injury, according to the same reporter.
Perhaps Newsome and Banks are full go against the Rams. If not, the Giants will be forced to risk matching struggling players against Nacua and fellow marquee wideout Davante Adams.
Nacua and Adams could feast against nickel cornerback Dru Phillips. He got “called for three pass interference penalties” against Dallas, per the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz.
The Giants will be in for a long Monday night if they have to rely heavily on Phillips and Reed against one of the NFL’s more high-powered pass attacks.
Giants Sign Chargers DB After Worrying Triple Injury Update