24 Nov 2025
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The New York Giants made a tough call on September 14, 2024, placing veteran return specialist Gunner Olszewski on injured reserve after he reaggravated a lingering groin injury during pregame warmups for their Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on September 8. It was the latest twist in a season that had already been defined by setbacks for the 27-year-old, who once dazzled as a First-Team All-Pro punt returner in 2020 with the New England Patriots. The move meant Olszewski would miss at least the next four games — a brutal blow to a unit already thin on explosive playmakers.
A Pattern of Misfortune
Olszewski’s injury history reads like a playbook of bad luck. He first hurt his groin in mid-August during training camp, then returned just enough to be cleared for Week 1. But as he jogged onto the field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 8, the pain returned — sharp, sudden, unmistakable. Head coach Brian Daboll, who’d been optimistic just weeks earlier, confirmed the setback wasn’t just a tweak. "It’s the same spot," Daboll told reporters. "And this time, it’s not going to heal in a week." This wasn’t even his first injury of 2024. Earlier in the summer, he’d missed all of OTAs due to a foot and ankle issue. The Giants had even briefly cut him on August 27 before re-signing him to the 53-man roster on August 29 — a move that looked like a gamble at the time. Now, it looks like a heartbreaking misjudgment.Who Steps In?
With Olszewski out, the Giants turned to Ihmir Smith-Marsette to handle kick and punt returns. Tyrone Tracy and Darius Slayton were also expected to contribute, though Slayton himself was battling a concussion. The unit had already lost momentum after Olszewski’s 94-yard punt return touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 — the longest in Giants history since 1928. Without him, the offense lost a critical weapon not just as a receiver, but as a field-flipping specialist.His absence wasn’t just about production. It was about presence. Olszewski had become a locker room staple — a quiet, relentless worker who’d fought his way from undrafted free agent at Bemidji State to All-Pro status. His ability to turn a 3-yard return into a 25-yard gain was more than skill. It was instinct. And now, the Giants were left scrambling.
Roster Shuffle: Payton’s Brief Stay
In the same transaction, the Giants placed Rico Payton, a cornerback acquired off waivers just weeks earlier on August 28, on injured reserve. Payton, a 24-year-old with limited NFL experience, had been brought in as depth — a temporary fix. His placement on IR cleared the 53-man roster spot needed for Olszewski’s official move, though it’s unclear if Payton’s injury was related or coincidental. The Giants also promoted Zaire Barnes and McClendon Curtis to the practice squad while cutting Trace Ford, signaling a broader effort to shore up depth after a brutal early-season injury wave.
A Glimmer in 2025
The story didn’t end in 2024. Olszewski re-signed with the Giants for the 2025 season on July 29, 2025, and returned to action — not as a returner, but as a surprise contributor. After kicker Graham Gano went down in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Olszewski, who’d spent years practicing as a holder during his Patriots days, stepped in to handle the PATs. He wasn’t just filling a role. He was proving his value.Then came the game against the San Francisco 49ers. On his first offensive snap of the season, he caught a 24-yard touchdown pass — his first since 2020. The crowd at MetLife Stadium roared. It wasn’t just a catch. It was a redemption arc, written in real time. He had battled through injuries, roster cuts, and doubters. And he hadn’t just survived. He’d reemerged.
Why This Matters
Olszewski’s story isn’t just about one player. It’s about the brutal reality of NFL rosters. Teams invest in specialists like him because they change games — a 90-yard return can flip field position, shift momentum, and demoralize opponents. When a guy like Olszewski goes down, it’s not just a statistical loss. It’s a psychological one.The Giants’ decision to bring him back in 2025, despite his injury history, speaks volumes. They saw something beyond the stats: resilience, adaptability, and a rare understanding of the game’s nuances. His 2025 touchdown wasn’t luck. It was the payoff for years of quiet persistence.
What’s Next?
For the Giants, the focus now is on protecting their return specialists. Olszewski’s injury came during warmups — a time when players are often least protected. Teams are now reevaluating pregame protocols, especially for veterans with prior injuries. The league may soon consider mandatory cooldown periods before kickoff for players with recent injury histories.Olszewski, meanwhile, is reportedly working with the team’s sports science staff to refine his pregame routine. He’s not done yet. And if history is any guide, he’s already planning his next move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Gunner Olszewski placed on injured reserve instead of being sidelined for just a few weeks?
The NFL’s injured reserve rules require players to miss at least four games once placed on IR. Since Olszewski’s groin injury had already flared up twice — once in camp and again during warmups — the Giants determined he wouldn’t be ready to return within that window. Rushing him back risked a longer-term setback, so they opted for the structured recovery path IR provides.
What was the significance of Olszewski’s 94-yard punt return in 2023?
The 94-yard return against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium was the longest punt return in New York Giants history since 1928, just one yard shy of the franchise record. It was his signature play as a Giant and proved he could be a game-changer on special teams — a rare talent in today’s NFL, where return units are often treated as afterthoughts.
How did Olszewski manage to return as a holder in 2025 after being on IR in 2024?
Olszewski had practiced as a holder during his time with the New England Patriots, a skill he maintained even during rehab. When kicker Graham Gano was injured in Week 3 of 2025, punter Jamie Gillan took over kicking duties, and Olszewski — already on the roster — was the logical choice to hold. His familiarity with the role made him invaluable in a crisis.
Why did the Giants re-sign Olszewski after cutting him during roster cuts?
Despite his injury, Olszewski was considered one of the most reliable return specialists in camp. The Giants knew his value outweighed the risk, especially with no clear replacement. His re-signing on August 29, 2024, was a calculated move — they believed he’d recover in time. When he reaggravated the injury, the team was forced to activate the IR clause they’d planned for.
What does Olszewski’s 2025 touchdown mean for his legacy?
That 24-yard catch wasn’t just a stat line — it was a full-circle moment. He entered the league as a returner, nearly lost his career to injuries, and then returned not just as a player, but as a versatile contributor who could play multiple roles. It cemented him as one of the NFL’s most durable and adaptable specialists — a player who turned setbacks into comebacks.
How common are groin injuries among NFL return specialists?
Groin strains are among the most frequent non-contact injuries in the NFL, especially for players who make sudden directional changes — like return specialists. Studies show over 15% of returners suffer groin injuries annually. Olszewski’s case highlights how even minor strains can linger if not fully healed, making recovery protocols critical for specialists who rely on explosive agility.