Golden Tate’s return from a four-game suspension ensured the Giants would look different Sunday against the Vikings, but the changes to the receiving corps were more drastic than anticipated.
While adding Tate, and promoting linebacker Josiah Tauaefa from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Tuesday, the Giants released receivers Bennie Fowler and TJ Jones.
Fowler’s departure comes as a surprise, considering the five-year veteran ranked third on the team with 12 receptions, though he’d only made two catches for eight yards in two games with Daniel Jones starting at quarterback. TJ Jones had totaled just three receptions — including a touchdown in Week 2 against the Bills — and fielded eight of the team’s 10 punt returns this season.