Whether you are Kellen Davis, a six-year veteran coming off a Super Bowl championship, or Corey Washington, a fresh-faced rookie receiver from a school few have ever heard of, Saturday shapes up to be a day of decision. The Giants must trim their roster from 75 to the 53-man limit and for so many on the bubble, there are no guarantees.
“Waiting for them to see if they deem me good enough,’’ Davis said, expressing the sentiment of many.
A year ago, Davis figured he was a lock to make the Browns after putting in five years with the Bears, mostly as a blocking tight end. He made what he thought was the final roster, but then was cut.
“When it comes to cuts you don’t really know what they’re doing upstairs,’’ Davis said. “Especially after I got released from Cleveland, I didn’t see that coming in any kind of way. I still to this day don’t know why they released me. It all worked out in the end.’’
After the first week of the season, Davis was signed by the Seahawks and played in the remaining 15 games. He never has missed a game in his career and he hopes that carries weight with the Giants’ decision-makers. It appears as if veteran newcomer Daniel Fells and second-year Larry Donnell have secured two of the tight end spots, leaving Davis and third-year Adrien Robinson for one space on the team. Davis is a solid blocker, but Robinson is a draft pick (fourth round, 2012) and the Giants might not want to part ways with a player general manager Jerry Reese once called “the JPP of tight ends.’’
In the preseason, Davis had three catches for 12 yards. Robinson had four receptions for 84 yards, but fumbled away his only catch Friday night against the Patriots.
“I feel I definitely got better each week,’’ Robinson said. “We’ll see.’’
Pint-sized Trindon Holliday was signed as a kickoff and punt returner, but he pulled a hamstring early in camp and did not play in any of the five preseason games. He hasn’t practiced in almost a month.
“I hope I left a good impression out there the couple weeks I did practice,” said Holliday, who played with the Broncos last season. “Whatever happens, happens.’’
Washington, undrafted, arrived this summer as a 6-foot-4 target as raw as an uncooked egg, yet he made plays in practice and caught a touchdown pass in each of the first four preseason games. He seems to be a lock for the practice squad and has a chance at the roster.
“Hopefully, [it will be] a great feeling tomorrow,” Washington said. “Hopefully, make this 53-man roster and be able to provide for my family.’’
Washington was waived by the Cardinals in May. He led the Giants in the preseason with 10 receptions for 155 yards and the four touchdowns. He was kept out of the end zone in the finale against the Patriots.
“After the game Victor Cruz was like, ‘I appreciate everything you’ve done,’ ” Washington said. “He said, ‘You did all you can do. Now it’s just a matter of waiting. Good luck with everything. Stay focused.’
“That calmed my nerves a lot, hearing Victor Cruz say that. It calmed my nerves a lot.”