Giants make shocking roster move by cutting preseason special teams standout during final 53-man roster cuts
The New York Giants are in the process of finalizing their final 53-man roster, and they just cut a player who was a standout this preseason
Whittling down to the final 53-man roster is challenging for NFL teams. Finding the right balance for each position group ultimately leads to high-performing players in the preseason still being cut.
This was the case for running back Dante “Turbo” Miller, who had the necessary momentum to join the New York Giants roster in 2025. Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, he was one of the first cuts on Tuesday morning.
Making the Giants roster as a running back was going to be difficult. After drafting running back Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants’ plans at running back were established. Tyrone Tracy is the obvious starter, and Devin Singletary’s veteran reliability was essential.
Most NFL teams will not carry four running backs unless a player has a notable impact outside the RB room. That applied to Miller when Brian Daboll championed his effort on special teams. Miller was used in multiple roles and carved out a potential spot as an additional return man thanks to his elite speed.
Daboll even spoke directly about how Miller could make the team after their win against the Buffalo Bills.
“It’s not just competing against running backs. It’s competing against other positions that are fighting for roster spots, special teams wise … Special teams will be very important for him and the roles that he can help us with in those areas relative to making the roster and going to a game.”
Miller finished the preseason with a 21-yard kick return average on two returns. He also drew attention for his space-killing speed as a receiver leaking out of the backfield with 14 receptions for 135 yards and a 9.6 yards per catch average. He even flashed as a special teams coverage player.
Despite all of the excitement over Miller on special teams and as a gadget in the offense, he fell extremely short of what was required as a between-the-tackles runner. Miller averaged a frustrating 3.1 yards per carry with only 80 yards and 26 rushing attempts. On film, it was evident that Miller struggled to navigate traffic and find rushing lanes.
Keeping a fourth running back you can’t trust to produce on the ground is an illogical roster-building approach—especially considering the importance of the Giants needing bodies to rotate on defense. Additionally, in the event of an injury, the Giants could likely find a free agent running back with less juice but far better instincts.
It’s to be determined if Miller will be on the Giants’ practice squad again in 2025, but it does seem probable with how much the coaching staff appreciates his work ethic and effort.
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