The New York Giants continued working on their running back depth on Tuesday, claiming Ryquell Armstead off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Armstead, 24, was a fifth-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL draft. He appeared in 16 games (one start) that season, gaining 252 yards from scrimmage (108 rushing, 144 receiving) and scoring one touchdown.
Unfortunately for Armstead, his early career growth would come to grinding halt in 2020.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Armstead was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in August of last year, activated nearly three weeks later and then placed back on the list in September. He was hospitalized twice throughout the season with “significant respiratory issues” as a result of his coronavirus battle.
Although he was waived in Jacksonville, Armstead’s agent says he’s returned to full health and no longer has any COVID-19-related symptoms.
“He has a 100% clean bill of health from multiple doctors,” Jeremy Appledorf, Armstead’s agent at EMG Sports, told the New York Daily News. “He’s been cleared of any COVID-related symptoms. He’s ready to get to work with the Giants.”
Although Armstead is currently listed at 200 pounds, he is working his way back up to a playing weight of around 220 pounds.
In order to make room for Armstead on their 90-man roster, the Giants also announced that the contract of quarterback Joe Webb had been terminated.
