LB & O-line help arrives

The Giants signed free agent linebacker Akeem Ayers and offensive guard John Greco Tuesday, as well as wideout/return specialist Kalif Raymond off the practice squad, and placed linebacker Keenan Robinson (quad) on injured reserve.

The Giants need reinforcements at both linebacker and on the offensive line with several starters injured, and they needed an upgrade in the return game, which has produced nothing with both specialist Dwayne Harris and Odell Beckham Jr. out for the season since Week 5.

The club waived its punt returner for the last several weeks, Ed Eagan, and also defensive end Devin Taylor, while re-signing tight end Matt LaCosse and O-lineman Nick Becton to the practice squad.

The Giants are decimated at linebacker: Robinson is now on IR. B.J. Goodson (ankle) hasn't played since Week 7. Devon Kennard (quad) missed Sunday's loss to the 49ers. And Kelvin Sheppard, re-signed just last week, hurt his groin in the loss after starting strong with six early tackles. Jonathan Casillas also just played his first game since Week 5 due to neck and other injuries and admitted he was “tired” in the second quarter.

Offensive line is a problem, too. Top center Weston Richburg (concussion) already is on IR. And right guard D.J. Fluker (knee) and right tackle Justin Pugh (back) are both hurt, with both likely to miss at least Sunday and definitely Pugh expected to sit longer than that. Jon Halapio replaced Fluker for seven snaps last Sunday and Bobby Hart replaced Pugh in the second half. The line this Sunday might be, left to right, Ereck Flowers, John Jerry, Brett Jones, Halapio/Greco and Hart.

— Pat Leonard