The Giants claimed recently released former Jets kick returner Xavier Gipson off waivers on Thursday.
They cleared a space on their roster by placing inside linebacker Micah McFadden (right foot surgery) on injured reserve.
The Jets cut Gipson, 24, this week after he fumbled a kickoff at the start of Sunday’s fourth quarter to set up a Steelers go-ahead touchdown.
Pittsburgh eventually won the game, 34-32.
The Giants used starting slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson as their primary kick returner in Week 1 on top of leading the team in catches. And he’s nursing an ankle injury entering Sunday’s Week 2 game at Dallas.
So Gipson, a former Jets undrafted free agent with 35 career games under his belt, may end up stepping into that role soon.
Gipson also has returned 68 career punts for 604 yards (8.9 avg.) and a touchdown on top of his 44 career kick returns for 1,142 yards (26.0 avg.).
So while Gunner Olszewski is rostered as the Giants’ punt returner, Gipson’s signing might not be great news for practice squad return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
Gipson was on the field for 45 percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps as a rookie in 2023 and finished with 21 receptions for 221 yards, in addition to eight rush attempts for 68 yards and a touchdown.
So he can play on offense, but he’s more of a specialist.
