NY Giants waive former draft pick, activate Will Hernandez from COVID list

Sep 20, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) as New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine (25) covers during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) as New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine (25) covers during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Corey Ballentine’s NY Giants career came to a close after 22 games when the former sixth-round draft pick was released Tuesday

The NY Giants released cornerback Corey Ballentine Tuesday, and activated left guard Will Hernandez from the COVID-19/reserve list.

Ballentine was chosen by the Giants in the sixth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but has largely been a disappointment.

In 22 career games, Ballentine produced just 32 career tackles while surrendering 38 receptions in 52 targets as opposing receivers averaged 12.9 yards per reception against him. Quarterbacks also passed for five touchdowns against Ballentine.

Ballentine had been supplanted in the starting lineup in recent weeks by the likes of Ryan Lewis and Isaac Yiadom, underscoring the revolving door nature of the Giants’ outside cornerback job opposite James Bradberry.

The Giants’ corresponding move to releasing Ballentine was to activate Hernandez from the COVID-19/reserve list. Hernandez was the first Giants player to test positive for COVID-19 this season, and missed the past two games.

Even without Hernandez in the lineup, the Giants’ offensive line has made marked improvements the last two weeks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team.

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Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.