Gunner Olszewski Carted Off, Giants Depth Chart Faces Achilles Scare
Gunner Olszewski was carted off during Friday practice, and the giants depth chart may have taken a significant hit with a suspected torn Achilles. The New York Giants fear the injury could be serious, and further testing will determine the extent of the damage.
Olszewski’s Friday route
Olszewski suffered a non-contact injury while running a route, then immediately showed significant frustration and appeared to grab at his right lower leg. That sequence leaves the Giants waiting on the diagnosis while one of their special-teams options and receiver depth pieces is in limbo.
Adam Schefter reported that the Giants are worried Olszewski tore his Achilles, which would make this more than a routine camp setback. The 29-year-old was taken off the field after the play and did not finish practice.
Giants special-teams role
Olszewski arrived in New York after being released during the 2023 season, and his role had been built around returns and spot work at receiver. Last year he totaled 273 yards and a touchdown on 23 punt returns, added a career-high 145 receiving yards, and even threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jameis Winston.
His path has made him a useful depth piece for multiple teams. The Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Bemidji State in 2019, and by 2020 he had become an All-Pro special teamer with 18 kickoffs for 418 yards, 20 punts for 346 yards and a touchdown. He played 16 games with New England the following season before signing a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Recent setbacks for Olszewski
This is not the first time Olszewski has had a season disrupted. A groin injury ended his 2024 season right as it started, and last year he also dealt with a concussion in a Week 13 loss to the Patriots after a hard hit on a kick return before returning three weeks later.
He finished that season with eight catches for 102 yards in a Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys. If the Achilles concern holds up under further testing, the Giants will have to adjust their return-game and receiver depth quickly, with another major loss hanging over a roster spot he had helped fill in multiple ways.
