The New York Giants have signed veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh to the active roster on a one-year deal, after joining the team’s practice squad two weeks ago.
Pugh was added to the practice squad on Oct. 3, one day after the Giants allowed 11 sacks for 67 yards in a 24-3 setback to the Seattle Seahawks.
He was elevated to the active roster last Saturday for the Giants’ game against the Buffalo Bills the following day, only to be assigned back to the practice squad on Monday.
Pugh had only one padded practice with the Giants before the game against Buffalo which led to him going viral during the player introductions for ‘Sunday Night Football.’
Pugh famously said ‘Justin Pugh, straight off the couch,’ during his introduction, in homage to being slotted immediately into the lineup.
The New York Giants have signed Justin Pugh from the practice to the active roster
Pugh started Sunday at left guard before moving to left tackle and perfoming adimably
To make room for Pugh on the active roster the Giants waived tight end Lawrence Cager
To make Pugh’s transition from the couch to the Giants lineup even more impressive, he had only played five snaps at left tackle since 2015, before he had to transition to the position mid game following an injury to teammate Josh Ezeudu.
‘I thought he did some good things,’ coach Brian Daboll said. ‘Again, he hasn’t played tackle in a while. We’ll give him obviously some reps out there. Make sure we get him ready to go.’
It appears Pugh will remain at LT for the Giants until starter Andrew Thomas returns from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since Week 1.
Ezeudu was also placed on injured reserve following his toe injury suffered on Sunday, leaving the Giants without many other options than to hope Pugh can continue his heroics against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Pugh, 33, spent his first five seasons with New York after the Giants selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
He then spent the next five campaigns with the Arizona Cardinals, although his 2022 season came to an end after five games following a torn ACL.
In order to make room for Pugh on the roster the Giants waived tight end Lawrence Cager.
Cager, 26, had two catches for 17 yards in five games this season. He has 17 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown in 15 career games with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Giants.