Inside Sandro Platzgummer's journey to the NFL
Austrian running back Sandro Platzgummer was allocated to the Giants last April as part of the NFL International Player Pathway Program. After spending the 2020 season on the practice squad due to a roster exemption, the Giants re-signed Platzgummer this offseason under similar circumstances.
Platzgummer saw some playing time in Saturday's preseason opener against the New York Jets, and the 24-year-old running back made the most of his opportunity.
With the Giants facing a 1st and 10 from their own one-yard line towards the start of the fourth quarter, the 6-foot-0, 210-pound back ripped off an explosive 48-yard run, a play that had the entire Giants sideline exploding with excitement.
Platzgummer finished the night with 51 rushing yards in what was his first game action in the NFL.
"You know what, everyone likes Sandro. Best way I can put it," head coach Joe Judge said Sunday about the sideline's reaction to Platzgummer's big run against the Jets. "Everyone likes him. He works hard. Everyone was glad to see his opportunity, and everyone was happy for him when he got in and made the most of it. I think you can boil it down right there. He's a guy that the players really respect and like.
"These guys in the program he's in, as far as some of the overseas players, it's always a different path for these guys, a different background. I think these guys understand and recognize he's from Austria, he's far away from home. There's some unique things about Sandro. He's really finishing up and finalizing being a doctor over in Europe, so there's a lot of things to him. He works hard. He doesn't say boo. He doesn't ever complain. He just comes in and does his job and the team respects the way he works. When anybody has success like that, I think everyone shares and enjoys it.
Check out the video below for an inside look at Platzgummer's journey from Austria to the NFL.
Giants mourn passing of former tight end Joe Walton
Joe Walton, who played three seasons with the Giants in the early 1960s before a long coaching career in the NFL and college ranks, died Sunday. He was 85 years old.
A native of Beaver Falls, Pa., Walton was a two-time All-American at the University of Pittsburgh as a tight end. He was selected in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft by Washington, where he played four seasons before joining the New York Giants in 1961.
The Giants advanced to the NFL Championship Game all three seasons (1961-1963) that Walton played for the organization. He became a frequent target of Y.A. Tittle and famously caught three of the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback's team-record seven touchdowns in a 1962 game against Washington. Walton's three touchdowns stood as franchise tight end record for more than 50 years until it was tied by Larry Donnell in 2014.
Upon retirement, Walton spent four years as a scout for the Giants before becoming the team's wide receivers coach. It kicked off a long coaching career, which included seven years as head coach of the New York Jets (1983-1989). His teams twice won at least 10 games and advanced to the postseason in 1985 and 1986. After his tenure with the Jets ended, he spent two seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator and then built the Robert Morris University football program from the ground up.
Giants acquire DB Keion Crossen in trade with Texans
The Giants today bolstered both their special teams and secondary when they acquired cornerback Keion Crossen in a trade with the Houston Texans.
Crossen played his rookie season in New England in 2018 when Joe Judge was the Patriots' special teams coordinator.
Houston will receive a 2023 sixth-round draft choice from the Giants in exchange for Crossen.
Crossen, 5-10 and 185 pounds, is entering his fourth NFL season. He has played in 43 regular-season games with four starts and played in five postseason games for the Patriots and Texans, including Super Bowl LIII.
Crossen's career totals include 49 tackles (38 solo), one interception, six passes defensed and 24 special teams tackles (19 solo) in the regular season and one tackle on defense and four on special teams – all unassisted – in the postseason.
View photos of new Giants defensive back and special teamer Keion Crossen.
DB Keion Crossen
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) lines up against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) stands on the playing field during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Texans 36-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) plays against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) reacts after making a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 in Houston. The Bengals defeated the Texans 37-31. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Houston Texans' Keion Crossen (35) breaks up a pass intended by Chicago Bears' Allen Robinson (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) runs after the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) follows a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) runs after the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) follows a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) stands in position during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) follows a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) looks to defend during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Houston. The Texans beat the Raiders 27-24. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) sets into position against the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Kansas City. The Chiefs won the game 51-31. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) drops back in pass coverage during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) celebrates during in an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City won 51-31. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) celebrates a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) during an NFL regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Houston. The Titans won, 35-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) celebrates after stopping Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Houston Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) looks up from the sideline with his helmet off during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Texans won the game 27-20. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) runs on the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns , Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 in Cleveland. The Browns defeated the Texans 10-7. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) catches a pass during an NFL training camp football practice Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) runs drills with the team during NFL football practice Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen yells as he runs off the field during an NFL training camp football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Houston. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, Pool)
Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) arrives at NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) dances on the field while getting ready to run a drill during an NFL training camp football practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Houston.(Brett Coomer/Pool Photo via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) runs around the back of the end zone while warming up during an NFL training camp football practice Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Houston. (Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle via AP, Pool)
Texans defensive back Keion Crossen (35) runs a drill during NFL football practice Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) dances on the field while getting ready to run a drill during an NFL training camp football practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Houston.(Brett Coomer/Pool Photo via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) takes a defensive position during the NFL Super Bowl 53 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New England Patriots rookie defensive back Keion Crossen (35) gets set during the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen gets set on defense prior to a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Patriots won in overtime, 37-31. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) defends Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during an NFL football AFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Foxborough. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) reacts with defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jan. 13, 2019 in Foxborough, MA. New England won 41-28 (Aaron Doster via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) waits for the snap during a NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 10-3. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) reacts after a big defensive play during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Thursday Aug. 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Giants defeated the Patriots 31-29. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) drops into coverage during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Thursday Aug. 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Giants defeated the Patriots 31-29. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) drops into coverage during a NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 10-3. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) celebrates a New England victory during the AFC championship NFL football game Sunday January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Mo. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots cornerback Keion Crossen (35) closes to the ball in action against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday August 16, 2018 in Foxboro, Mass. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen warms up before an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots cornerback Keion Crossen (35) drops into coverage in action against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday August 16, 2018 in Foxboro, Mass. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Keion Crossen (35) after an NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, June 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Giants sign QB Brian Lewerke; Clayton Thorson waived/injured
The Giants today announced a change at quarterback, though the news concerns only the No. 3 position on the depth chart.
Free agent Brian Lewerke was added to the roster and Clayton Thorson (concussion) was waived/injured. Thorson was injured on the Giants' final offensive play in their 12-7 preseason-opening loss to the Jets Saturday night. He was sacked in the end zone for a safety by Jonathan Marshall and Hamilcar Rashed with just 1:39 remaining. Thorson was quickly attended to by the team's medical staff before being helped off the field.
Thorson spent most of the 2020 season on the Giants' practice squad.
View photos of new Giants quarterback Brian Lewerke.
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke passes during an NFL football training camp practice, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke catches the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke follows through on a pass during an NFL football training camp practice, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball in a drill during an NFL football practice, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke, center, throws a pass as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, right, walks past during an NFL football training camp practice, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterbacks Brian Lewerke (68) and Brian Hoyer (2) warm up during an NFL football training camp practice, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke (68) passes as quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) watches during an NFL football training camp practice, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke steps on the field at the start of an NFL football training camp practice, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke, left, hands off to running back Rex Burkhead, right, during an NFL football training camp practice, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots offensive lineman Ben Braden (65) and quarterback Brian Lewerke (68) step on the field before the start of an NFL football training camp practice, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke steps on the field at the start of an NFL football training camp practice, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke walks to the field for an NFL football training camp practice, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke walks to the field for an NFL football training camp practice, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke walks to the field for an NFL football training camp practice, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke passes the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke passes the ball during an NFL football training camp practice, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan St. quarterback Brian Lewerke throws a pass during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Michigan St. quarterback Brian Lewerke runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Michigan St. quarterback Brian Lewerke throws a pass during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws a pass against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 19-16. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws before an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) throws a pass during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke scrambles during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) throws a pass in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke looks to throw against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
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