The Giants today added two familiar faces to their practice squad when they signed safety Cooper Taylor and tight end Matt LaCosse.
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Taylor was released on Oct. 20, one day after the Giants lost in Philadelphia, 27-7. The third-year pro played in three games this season, including the defeat to the Eagles. His lone statistic was an assisted special teams tackle.
A 2013 fifth-round draft choice from Richmond, Taylor played in 10 games as a rookie and had four special teams tackles. He also scored a touchdown after scooping up a blocked punt and returning it 21 yards against Oakland.
Taylor spent the entire 2014 season on injured reserve after suffering an injury to the sesamoid bone in his left foot in a preseason game at Indianapolis on Aug. 16.
LaCosse, a rookie free agent, was waived by
the Giants on Aug. 2 after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp. He received an injury settlement, and per NFL rules, this was the first week they could re-sign him.
LaCosse was signed by the Giants on May 7. He played in 46 games at the University of Illinois, where he caught 38 passes for 397 yards and six touchdowns. As a senior in 2014, he played in 13 games with 6 starts and caught 14 passes for 117 yards and three scores.
The Giants now have two tight ends on their practice squad, Jerome Cunningham and LaCosse.
Larry Donnell left the team's loss in New Orleans last Sunday with a neck injury, leaving Will Tye as the only available tight end on the roster.
The Giants released guard Adam Gettis from the practice squad. They had an opening on the squad after signing linebacker James Morris to the active roster on Saturday. Morris made his NFL debut in New Orleans on Sunday.
FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TE MATT LACOSSE
By Dan Salomone1. LaCosse, 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, caught 38 passes for 397 yards (10.4 avg.) and six touchdowns in 46 games during his career at Illinois.
- Pro day results - 40-yard dash: 4.71 seconds; Bench press: 20 reps at 225 pounds; Vertical jump: 30 inches; Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches.
- Career highs - Receptions: 5 at Indiana, 11/9/13; Receiving Yards: 68 vs. Miami (Ohio), 9/28/13; Long Reception: 45 vs. Miami (Ohio), 9/28/13; Touchdowns: 2 vs. Miami (Ohio), 9/28/13.
- A native of Naperville, Ill., LaCosse was a Chicago Tribune honorable mention All-State selection at North High School, where he played quarterback . He won eight varsity letters in high school: three in football, three in basketball and two in baseball. His father, Dave, played football at Ball State.
- NFL.com scouting report: With a long frame and good speed, LaCosse has the tools to work with for teams looking for a tight end who can stretch the field or stress linebackers in one-on-one matchups. His lack of college production will limit the number of team radars he hits, but he has enough talent to warrant a legitimate look and his ability to play special teams should help his chances.
