NFL New York Giants

New York Giants Cut Running Backs Michael Cox and Kendall Gaskins

Michael Cox New York Giants

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants cut running backs Michael Cox and Kendall Gaskins on Saturday, as the team trimmed their roster down to 53 players.

Cox, New York’s 2013 seventh-round draft pick out of UMass, saw some action last season after the Giants’ backfield was devastated by injuries. Andre Brown broke his leg in the preseason, David Wilson was lost for the year in Week 5 and Brandon Jacobs got hurt as well, leaving the door wide open.

With their backfield whittled down, Cox shared time with Peyton Hillis and he struggled to pick up the slack. For the season, Cox carried the ball 22 times for 43 yards. He also had three catches for 12 yards.

This preseason, Cox struggled for the most part but did have spurts of good play. He finished his preseason campaign with 31 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown.

Gaskins, an undrafted free agent out Richmond, couldn’t secure a roster spot in his first opportunity with the Giants. Gaskins was released by the Buffalo Bills prior to the start of the 2013 season and spent some time on the Tennessee Titans‘ practice squad during the year.

Gaskins had two games this preseason with over 40 rush yards but clearly he didn’t do enough to secure a spot. In total, Gaskins rushed the ball 29 times for 104 yards.

Both Cox and Gaskins are contenders for the Giants’ practice squad and may be called on if one of New York’s running backs gets injured. However, as of now, Rashad Jennings is the team’s starting back with Andre Williams and Peyton Hillis in reserve roles.

Daniel Brennan covers the New York Giants for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @DBrennan30 and add him to your network on Google.

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