Giants Sign Ex-Cowboy Ogletree, Elevate Fenner From Practice Squad
By Curt Macysyn
Going into the latter stages of the preseason, the New York Football Giants had an abundance of defensive backs and wide receivers, so much so that second-year cornerback Charles James was cut, and Mario Manningham, Marcus Harris and Trindon Holliday were placed on injured reserve in order to get down to the 53-man roster. But over the first month and a half of the season, the depth at those positions has been tested, as the Giants have seen several injuries impact the roster.
The latest fallout came Sunday when former All-Pro receiver Victor Cruz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee and was lost for the season. The Giants announced on Monday that Cruz had undergone successful surgery to repair the damage by team physician Dr. Russell Warren. The loss of Cruz leaves a void both on the field and in the locker room, so how the team reacts will be put to the test immediately this weekend against the first-place Dallas Cowboys. In terms of production, he was the Giants' leading receiver with 337 yards, and Cruz was also a team captain.
To take the place of Cruz on the roster the Giants inked former Dallas Cowboys receiver Kevin Ogletree to a free agent contract. The six-year veteran from the University of Virginia had been with the Detroit Lions until Sept. 20, 2014, when he was released. He brings a veteran presence to a receivers' room populated with young players like Odell Beckham, Jr., Preston Parker, Rueben Randle and Corey Washington.
"[Ogletree] has played in 62 regular-season games with four starts. His career totals include 78 receptions for 999 yards (12.8-yard average) and six touchdowns. In five games against the Giants, Ogletree caught 18 passes for 143 yards and two scores, all career-high totals against an opponent. He scored both of those touchdowns in the Cowboy’s season-opening victory against the Giants on Sept. 5, 2012, when he had eight catches for 114 yards," according to Michael Eisen of Giants.com.
Another casualty of the Eagles' game was cornerback Trumaine McBride, who had already been a replacement for injured slot cornerback Walter Thurmond II (chest), with a fractured thumb. McBride had been an on and off starter for New York and was a productive member of the secondary for the squad. McBride was eighth on the team in tackles with 21, and he had an interception against the Washington Redskins. McBride was particularly good in coverage and was given a +2.0 grade by Pro Football Focus. His loss means that veteran Zack Bowman will see the field more often than the 77 snaps he has played this season, and inconsistent Jayron Hosley will also get an opportunity. Hosley only saw two snaps against Philadelphia, as he returned from the suspended list.
In addition, the G-men purchased the contract of cornerback Chandler Fenner from their practice squad to add depth at the position. Fenner had been with the squad most of training camp this year and had seemingly made a good impression. He was cut due to the numbers game at the cornerback position.
"Fenner, 6 feet and 200 pounds, is on the roster for the second time this season. He was signed off the practice squad on Oct. 4, and made his NFL debut on special teams the following day in the Giants’ victory over Atlanta. He was waived the following day," Eisen wrote.
For more Giants news and updates, visit Giants Central.
Curt Macysyn has been covering the New York Football Giants for the past two seasons for Examiner.com. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Curt has followed and covered the New York Metropolitan sports scene for 35 years. He attended Seton Hall Prep School in South Orange, NJ and is a graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. His work can be found on aExaminer.com.
