Jan 15, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (80) returns a kickoff against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter of an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: AFC Wild Card Playoffs-New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
NEW YORK — Gunner Olszewski is signing with the New York Giant’s practice squad, a source told ESPN.
Olszewski, 26, was an All-Pro special teams player with the New England Patriots in 2020, but was recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The opportunity to be elevated to the Giants roster could come quickly. New York has been a disaster on special teams this season, and struggled catching punts, with rookie Eric Gray and Sterling Sheppard both muffing a punt in Sunday’s 14-7 win over the Washington Commanders.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton finished the game as the team’s punter returner.
“I’d say we’re going to look at it here. We’re going to look at it,” coach Brian Daboll said Monday morning.
Olszewski has also had his struggles with ball security. During his time in Pittsburgh, he fumbled his lone return for the Steelers in a Week 5 win over the Ravens. The team immediately cut him after the game.
This marks two straight seasons that punt returner has been a headache for Daboll, and the Giants.
