The New York Giants enter Week 3 in desperate need of their first win of the season, but considering how they have a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on their hands, it’s clear that accomplishing that goal is going to be easier said than done. Ahead of this game, New York’s front office made an interesting move involving veteran wide receiver Xavier Gipson.
After being released by the New York Jets after committing a costly fumble in their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gipson was claimed on waivers by the Giants. However, his stint with the team didn’t last long, as the team has already decided to move on from him as they prepare for their clash with the Chiefs.
Giants Waive Wide Receiver Xavier Gipson
Gipson didn’t hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he ended up latching on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent. He immediately made an impact, scoring a game-winning punt return touchdown in overtime in his first NFL game against the Buffalo Bills, and while he primarily contributed as a kick and punt returner, he also caught 21 passes for 229 yards as a secondary option on offense.
In 2024, Gipson took on a smaller role on offense, and with a new regime taking over the Jets, his big miscue in Week 1 ended up costing him his spot on the team. The Giants claimed Gipson, hoping he could become a gadget weapon for them on offense, while also helping out on kick and punt returns.
Instead, Gipson didn’t suit up for New York in Week 2, with the team opting to continue relying on Gunner Olszewski as its primary kick and punt returner. Even with Olszewski questionable for the Giants‘ Week 3 action, the team has decided that Gipson is expendable, as they waived him on Saturday afternoon before they take the field against the Chiefs.
The Giants waived WR/KR Xavier Gipson,” Mike Garafolo of NFL Network shared in a post on X Saturday afternoon.
Giants Looking to Pick Up an Upset Victory Over Chiefs in Week 3
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants looks on against the Washington Commanders.
With the Giants needing help at other spots on their roster, they decided to move on from Gipson. He could potentially return in the future, whether it be on the active roster or the practice squad, but there’s also a chance that he finds a new home with another team across the league. Gipson is a skilled kick and punt returner, and with that part of the game being more important than ever, he could be valuable for a team looking to improve its special teams units.
With Gipson’s release in the books, New York’s full attention will be on Kansas City, who also enter Week 3 looking for its first win of the season. That will make the Giants‘ quest even more difficult, but they proved in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys that they can go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET, and you can bet both teams will be highly motivated to avoid falling to 0-3 on the season.
Giants Cut Ties With Veteran Wide Receiver Before Sunday Night Football