Things are changing fast for the New York Giants after they lost starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, likely for the rest of the 2026 NFL season, amid a slew of other worrying injuries, but head coach John Harbaugh is still staying consistent with his plan for one key position group.
Harbaugh and the Giants added yet another big-bodied defensive tackle to the fringes of the roster when they reunited with C.J. Ravenell on Tuesday, September 22. His return was confirmed by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who also noted the Giants “cut OL Kingsley Eguakun and CB Elijah Jones.”
• They re-signed OL Ryan Schernecek and DT CJ Ravenell. Ravenell was claimed by the Giants on July 7 and then was cut just before training camp because he got injured.
• The Giants cut OL Kinglsey Eguakun and CB Elijah Jones.
Eguakun and Jones made way for another Giants reunion, this one involving a towering offensive tackle. Yet, the signing of Ravenell is more noteworthy because of his extensive experience with this coaching staff, that includes a brief stint with the Giants cut short by injury earlier this offseason.
C.J. Ravenell Back With Familiar Coaches
Ravenell’s well known to head coach Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder appeared in 14 games for Wilson’s defense with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, making one start, per Pro Football Reference.
He also spent the 2024 campaign on the practice squad for the Baltimore Ravens during Harbaugh’s time in charge at M&T Bank Stadium. This much familiarity likely informed the Giants’ decision to sign Ravenell back in July.
Hs signing made sense because he gave the Giants an interior D-lineman who knows how to push the pocket. Ravenell showed off his pass-rushing chops by helping force this turnover for the Ravens against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2025 preseason.
Tune in: WBAL
Unfortunately, the Giants soon released Ravenell due to a “non-football injury,” per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Taking another look at what Ravenell can still do is part of the Giants’ ongoing process to restock the heart of their defensive front.
That process has involved signing a host of journeymen and roster bodies. Including two other former Ravens, nose tackles Josh Tupou and C.J. Okoye.
Those moves are part of the big picture overhaul Harbaugh and Wilson are undertaking on defense. Their efforts extend from the trenches to the back end.
Giants Still Tweaking Defensive Plans
Deciding to cut Jones loose could indicate the Giants believe a brewing injury crisis is easing at cornerback. The situation reached a critical mass of sorts when starter Deonte Banks was declared inactive with a calf problem for the 28-6 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football in Week 2.
That inactives list also included two defensive tackles, rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis and second-year pro Darius Alexander. Getting on the field is becoming a problem for Alexander, who has failed to impress Wilson or Harbaugh this offseason.
The Giants may well have brought Ravenell back because they’re still not entirely happy with their options along the defensive line. It’s equally possible Harbaugh and Wilson are scrambling for any solutions amid a spate of injuries.
Those injury issues include Paulson Adebo dealing with a knee problem that landed the $54-million cornerback on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Pro Bowl edge-rusher Brian Burns exited early after hurting his ankle against the Rams.
Giants Reunite With 300-Pound, 14-Game Dennard Wilson Favorite