The Giants have added another player to the mix to fill the void in the kick return game created by the season-ending injury to Domenik Hixon. The team yesterday signed Adam Jennings, who in five NFL seasons arrives with the reputation as a very solid special teamer in all facets.
Jennings takes the place on the roster of Hixon, who tore a knee ligament last month during the first-ever mini-camp practice in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Hixon underwent surgery about 10 days ago and the Giants yesterday waived him. Once he clears waivers, Hixon will be placed on injured reserve. Hixon was a reliable receiver, but his best asset was as the team’s top kickoff and punt returner.
A receiver and former 2006 sixth-round draft pick of the Falcons, Jennings played at Fresno State and also played for the Lions in his NFL career. The 5-foot-9, 176-pound Jennings will be looked at as a return man. He has averaged 22.4 yards on 25 kickoff returns in the NFL and 6.2 yards on 54 punt returns. Jennings played in only one game for the Lions last season before hurting his ankle and spending the remainder of the year on IR.
Jennings is considered not only a decent return man but also a very solid all-around special teams player, especially strong in covering kicks.