With reports that fullback Vonta Leach is headed back to Baltimore, the Giants have moved in a different direction to add some insurance against an extended absence for Henry Hynoski.
The Giants announced Friday that they have signed fullback Ryan D’Imperio to their 90-man roster. D’Imperio, a converted linebacker, played 12 games for the Vikings in 2011 and did not play at all last season after failing to make the team out of training camp. He spent some time this offseason on the Chiefs roster, but was released in May.
Hynoski injured the MCL and lateral plateau in his left knee during OTAs and is working to return to the team before the start of the regular season. Tight end Bear Pascoe has been seen as the likeliest replacement should his absence continue into the regular season. D’Imperio’s arrival may not do anything to change that, but it does give the Giants another option for reps in camp and the preseason.
To make room for D’Imperio, the Giants cut kicker David Buehler. The former Cowboys fifth-round pick signed with the Giants in February after also sitting out the 2012 season. His departure solidifies Josh Brown’s claim to the job this season.