Giants activate TE Theo Johnson, release QB Nathan Rourke, sign CB Breon Borders

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced before practice on Sunday that the team is activating rookie tight end Theo Johnson from the PUP list.

The Giants have also announced that they are signing CB Breon Borders following a tryout at the start of camp.

The Giants drafted Johnson out of Penn State in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft (107th overall). He wasn’t a featured part of Penn State’s offense, however his athletic upside is tremendous. Daniel Bellinger is entrenched as the Giants’ starting tight end, but adding Johnson’s size and athleticism could allow them to use more diverse looks and wrinkles.

The Giants are also releasing QB Nathan Rourke. Rourke was claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots in May, however he wasn’t given much work through the first week of camp.

Releasing Rourke isn’t related to activating Johnson from the PUP list. The Giants announced that they’re signing cornerback Breon Borders in a corresponding move. Borders is a seven-year veteran who’s appeared in 32 career games. He’s also familiar to both Joe Schoen and Shane Bowen from stops with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, respectively.

Daboll also said in his remarks that center John Michael Schmitz suffered a shoulder injury and will be limited to individual drills today. Jimmy Morrissey took reps in Schmitz’s place late in Friday’s practice.