Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills receiver T.J. Graham (11) is defended by New York Giants defensive tackle Markus Kuhn (78) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) in the 2014 Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants third year cornerback, Jayron Hosley, four game suspension has been lifted and he can not return to the team. However, the Giants will not need to make a decision on Hosley’s future on their roster until Monday, as they have received a one game roster exemption from the NFL.
Hosley, who many have labeled a bust, has had a rough start to his career with the Giants. During the pre-season Hosley still looked over-matched, and PFF graded him out at -4.1 overall and -4.7 pass coverage grade in the three games he participated in. Hosley’s roster spot might be saved, though, due to the Giants losing nickel cornerback Walter Thurmond III for the year because of a torn pectoral muscle. Trumaine McBride has looked decent filling in, but the Giants might want to keep Hosley around for depth purposes.
Here are some quotes, courtesy of Giants.com, from Hosley today after he practiced with his teammates for the first time in a month:
Q: I guess you worked out obviously for the past month. Where were you the whole time?
A: I was here, yeah, I was here.
Q: Here but not here, obviously.
A: I was here, yeah. I wanted to stay as close to work and around my teammates as I could and just stay focused, stay grinding, stay in shape.
Q: Did you have a tough month?
A: No, it made it easier being here. Being able to still come to the facility and be around my teammates, be around the coaches, so it made it easier. It went by fast.
Q: In training camp you get into football shape, you hit and all that. Are you still in that shape?
A: I mean, I’d be lying if I said yes because I haven’t been out there practicing with my teammates, but I have been working out every day. I’m in good enough shape. I felt good today at practice, so I’m just building off that.
Q: What do you think the quickest way for you to get back in a contributing role will be? Specials, dime package, nickel package? How do you feel you’ll be able to get back in there?
A: Wherever my team needs me. At this time the secondary is playing good. I definitely can contribute on special teams. I can contribute wherever I’m needed. That’s what I’m here for, so I think pretty much anywhere I’m needed I’ll be ready to contribute.
Q: With DRC a little banged up, it might not hurt.
A: Yeah, but he’ll be good. He’s a tough guy, man, he’ll be all right.
Hosley’s answers to the questions about his shape aren’t exactly inspiring of a ton of confidence. However, with the Giants being thin at his position, I expect them to eventually slide him back onto the active roster. Look for undrafted free agent linebacker, Dan Fox, to be a possible casualty if that move is made, especially if Jon Beason is healthy again.