The New York Giants are exploring every option to spark more big plays on offense and special teams, signing a former New York Jets playmaker who provides insurance for wide receiver and kick returner.
The Giants claimed top star off waivers, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Fellow reporter Jordan Raanan added that the move makes sense since he is currently nursing an ankle injury suffered on a kickoff, opening the door for Gipson to step in right away.
The exact timeline for Robinson’s recovery is unclear, making the Giants’ decision to add Gipson somewhat surprising—especially with an established All-Pro still available in the return game.
As The Athletic’s Dan Duggan noted, “This is an interesting claim with Gunner Olszewski healthy. This puts seven WRs on the roster, with two essentially being return specialists.”
Still, Gipson offers more than just depth. His track record of delivering impact plays on special teams shows he can be a real asset. The Giants need those explosive moments, but they’d prefer to get them without exposing a key receiver like Robinson to additional injury risk.
Xavier Gipson Adds Juice to Giants Return Game
Gipson has already shown he can change a game in an instant, just as he did in Week 1 of the 2023 season against the Buffalo Bills. His 66-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime put the undrafted rookie on the map as a return specialist with serious impact.
According to Pro Football Reference, Gipson has averaged a solid 8.9 yards per punt return and 26 yards per kick return in his career. Those marks give him a legitimate chance to challenge Olszewski for opportunities, though he’ll need to address one major concern.
Ball security has been an issue. Gipson lost a fumble in a critical moment during the Jets’ 34-32 Week 1 loss to the Steelers, and Olszewski has struggled with the same problem. That makes the Giants’ move a calculated gamble.
Still, adding another explosive returner could prove worthwhile if it allows Robinson to shift his focus more toward receiver, where he made a strong impression last week.
Wan’Dale Robinson Made Solid Start to Pivotal Seaon
Robinson enters a contract year needing a breakout campaign, and he began on the right note with six receptions for 55 yards in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.
Though the performance came in a loss, it signaled a potential resurgence for the 2022 second-round pick. Primarily a slot receiver, Robinson was expected to see diminished production after the Giants turned to 36-year-old Russell Wilson, a quarterback known for pushing the ball downfield rather than targeting shorter routes.
Instead, Robinson was heavily involved, averaging 5.7 yards after the catch per reception, according to Pro Football Reference. That kind of playmaking is exactly what the Giants need, and his participation in Thursday’s practice, as reported by Jordan Raanan, is an encouraging sign.
Keeping Robinson out of return duties is a wise decision, especially as he reestablishes himself as a vital piece of a passing attack still searching for consistency and versatility.