Overview
- The Giants signed veteran edge Jihad Ward off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad and added him to their 53-man roster on Wednesday to fill depth lost to Burns’s injury.
- New York released defensive tackle Josh Tupou to open the roster spot for Ward and must pay Ward at least the short guaranteed service period that comes with practice‑squad signings.
- Ward returns to the Giants for a second stint after earlier seasons in New York and brings 10-plus NFL seasons of rotational experience with roughly 199 career tackles and 24 sacks.
- Ward’s prior work with Dennard Wilson in Tennessee and a previous connection to coach John Harbaugh make him a familiar scheme fit while rookie Arvell Reese is expected to see more pass‑rush snaps.
- The signing is part of a busy roster week for the Giants following Burns’s ACL and recent moves such as the J.J. McCarthy trade and should be viewed as short‑term reinforcement rather than a long‑term foundational change.