The New York Giants are seeking any kind of spark to lift them out of the early season funk that has them at 1-4 after five weeks.
That spark could come on special teams, perhaps with a new returner.
This week, coordinator Thomas McGaughey spoke about wide receiver Parris Campbell, who the Giants signed in free agency during the offseason.
“Yeah, he’s back there,” McGaughey said of Campbell practicing as a return man. “He’s done it. He did it at Ohio State, he did it as a rookie and so we’ll see. We’ll see what happens, but you’ve seen him with the ball in his hands, he’s an electric guy with the ball in his hands so we’re going to work him back there.”
The Giants have had several players lined up to return both kicks and punts but rookie running back Eric Gray is the only one who has attempted to return both.
To say the least, Gray has been inconsistent, averaging six yards per attempt on four punt returns and 18.3 on three kickoff attempts.
“He’s growing, you know. I always tell those guys, it’s not what you’re going through, it’s what you’re growing through, right?” said McGaughey. “So, it’s a maturation process for him. Every situation is a new situation in this league for him and he just has to grow his way through it, he’ll be alright. He’s a young returner in this league that has upside and he’s a good football player and he’s a good young man so he’s just getting better every week.”
The Giants could use a boost from special teams — or anywhere — against the powerful Buffalo Bills this Sunday night. Maybe Campbell can provide it.
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