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New York Giants Suddenly Waive Injured Running Back; Sign Former Steelers DB, Local Hero

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 30, 2024 11:53 AM ET

On Thursday morning, the New York Giants announced two roster moves before the mandatory portion of OTAs next month. They waived an injured running back and added a former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back who is a native of New York.

The New York Giants are set to part ways with Gary Brightwell

Per a statement by the Giants, the team is waiving their 2021 sixth-round pick Gary Brightwell with an injury designation:

Brightwell, a sixth-round pick by the Giants in 2021, appeared in 37 games over his first three seasons as a running back and kickoff returner.

Brightwell recorded 164 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown during his three seasons with the Giants. He returned 26 kickoffs for 555 yards (21.3 avg) during the 2022 season. The 2022 season was the only season Brightwell returned kicks for the Giants.

The Giants signed former Pittsburgh Steelers DB Elijah Riley

Per the Giants, in a corresponding move to the waive of Brightwell, the team signed free agent defensive back Elijah Riley:

Riley, 6-0 and 205 pounds, has made seven starts in 30 career games for the Eagles (2020-21), Jets (2021), and Steelers (2022-23). He played a career-high 13 games last season with Pittsburgh, lining up for 50 snaps on defense and 216 on special teams.

A native of Port Jefferson, N.Y., Riley played in 44 games (32 starts) in his four-year career at Army (2016-19). He was one of 14 semifinalists for the 2019 Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to a defensive back and is based on performance on the field, athletic ability, and character. In June 2019, a new policy was created to allow athletes from the service academies to defer their service while they pursue pro careers.