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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –** The Giants today added two players to their defense as they completed preparations for their home game tomorrow against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have the NFL's second-ranked offense.
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To make room on the roster, cornerback Aaron Ross, who suffered a back injury against the Chiefs, was placed on injured reserve, and offensive lineman Dallas Reynolds was waived.
Hill, a second-year pro, played in 12 games with no starts in 2012. He contributed 30 tackles (26 solo), two passes defensed and a forced fumble on defense and tied for third on the team with 13 special teams tackles (10 solo) and had a fumble recovery. He missed four games (Oct. 14-Nov. 4) while serving a suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The NFL announced on July 20 that Hill was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. But he was with the team throughout training camp and played in all four preseason games, finishing with six solo tackles on defense and one on special teams.
James, 5-9 and 179 pounds, was signed as a rookie free agent from Charleston Southern on May 10. He impressed the coaches in the spring camps and in training camp, but was squeezed out of a roster spot by the six veteran cornerbacks who made the team.
James played in every preseason game and had four tackles (three solo). He was waived on Aug. 31 and signed to the practice squad the following day.
At Charleston Southern, James was a two-time FCS All-America selection and three-time All-Big South first-team choice. He played in 39 games and finished his career with the CSU records for interceptions in a single season (six in 2011) and in a career (12). James earned Defensive MVP honors at the Raycom All-Star Game. As a senior in 2012, he played in 10 games (missing two with an arm injury) and had 32 tackles (16 solo), two interceptions and eight pass breakups. James also returned 14 punts for 147 yards (10.5-yard avg.) and six kickoffs for 127 yards (21.2-yard avg.)
Ross, the Giants' first-round draft choice in 2007, returned to the team this season after a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in all four games this season, starting the last two at left corner in place of Corey Webster (groin injury). Ross had four solo tackles and an interception at Carolina that he returned nine yards.
Ross played on both the Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.
Reynolds, a second-year player, was signed on Tuesday, when the Giants released running back Da'Rel Scott. Reynolds started 14 games at center last season for the Philadelphia Eagles.
