Giants practice squad tracker 2026: Predictions, signings, analysis

The New York Giants have finalized their 53-man roster and now turn their attention to building their practice squad for the upcoming season. The team has until 1 p.m. ET on Monday, August 31st to claim players from the waiver wire. Once claimed, the Giants can sign these players to the practice squad. Vested veterans, those with at least four seasons of experience, can be signed immediately after being released by their previous team.

Unvested players must first pass through the waiver process before being signed. The Giants can have a maximum of six veterans on their practice squad. Interestingly, any practice squad player can be elevated to the active roster three times during the season without having to be signed to the active roster or go through the waiver wire.

Currently, the Giants are slight underdogs heading into their first game against the Dallas Cowboys, with a 2.5-point spread according to FanDuel. While this may not drastically alter the outcome, having strong depth on the practice squad has proven crucial in past seasons. The NFL reserves 16 spots for regular practice squad players, with an additional 17th slot designated for players in the International Pathway Program.

For the Giants, offensive lineman Jarrod Gray appears to be the frontrunner for this spot. Gray, a 6-foot-7, 318-pound Australian rugby star, spent the summer on the Giants' roster as an international player. Several players are being monitored for potential waivers claims, including Beau Brade, Dalen Cambre, Trace Ford, Art Green, and Jalin Hyatt.

Deadline for waiver claims is set for 1 p.m. ET on the same day. After this deadline, teams will begin assembling their practice squads.