Coach Brian Daboll still can't say who will be handling punt returns for the Giants one week from Sunday.
However, with Isaiah McKenzie on injured reserve with a foot injury, that role is likely to fall to Gunner Olszewski, unless Olszewski's own groin injury keeps him out of the season opener against the Vikings.
“He's making progress,” Daboll said before Thursday's practice. “He was out here catching punts yesterday. I think he's making progress. I hope so, but we're still 10, 11 days away. We'll see how far he goes.”
While Olszewski has played receiver thus far, he has primarily operated as a return specialist for the majority of his NFL career, culminating in his All-Pro season in 2020.
The Giants acquired the 27-year-old after he was waived by the Steelers after fumbled twice in two games last season.
He lost the ball again in his first game with the Giants, but by the end of the season he was in a regular role as a punt returner and later that year scored a touchdown in a loss to the Rams.
Before Olszewski suffered a groin injury, he came out of camp looking like he had the momentum to reclaim the position, but with him sidelined, McKenzie seemed to gain momentum.
And because football is a cruel game, MacKenzie collapsed.
“I don't wish that on anyone,” Olszewski told the Post. “It all comes down to circumstances. Getting hurt is part of the game. It's not a question of if you're going to get hurt, it's when and how badly. So it's unfortunate for both of us that we got hurt. There's never a good time to get hurt, but there are definitely times that are worse than others. I'm making progress so I'm happy with where I am right now.”
Olszewski expressed optimism about his injury, which bodes well for the Giants, because if he isn't ready, they don't have another viable candidate to return punts. Darius Slayton returned nine kickoffs in 2019 but has never returned a punt in the NFL.
“That's an internal discussion,” Daboll said of other options. “We have guys who can catch the ball. There are always things we can add to the squad if we want, but I think the Gunners are moving in the right direction.”
He would agree, as long as he heard it.
“I feel good enough,” Olszewski said. “Obviously, I must have done something right to be here. … I think they liked what they got from me. [in camp]I could have shown more, but the fact that I'm here means they trust me, and I'm happy to be here.”
