I had been curious as to upcoming key cutdown/waivers/practice squad dates, and figured I'd post for those interested:
August 28
Final Preseason Games.
August 30 (Final roster cuts)
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the active/inactive List.
--
Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non- Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the active list.
August 31 (Waiver claims and practice squad)
Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.
--
Beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free agency credit or who were on the 46-player active list for less than nine regular season games during each of any accrued seasons. A player cannot serve on the practice squad for more than three seasons.
September 2 (Designated for Return IR)
After 4:00 p.m., New York time, a club is permitted to place a player on Reserve/Injured as "Designated for Return."
September 3 (Salary Cap change)
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for all NFL player contracts, practice player contracts, tender offers, and miscellaneous amounts to fit within each club's 2014 salary cap, in anticipation of the midnight expiration of the Top 51 Rule.
September 4, 7-8 (Regular Season Kickoff)
Regular Season opens.
NFL Calendar (from NFL Communications) - ( New Window )
Aside from scanning the waiver wire for depth upgrades at TE, OL, LB and WR, I think the Giants might tinker with the allocation of roster spots during the next ten-fifteen days. For example, they might cut to five linebackers (Beason, Williams, McClain, Kennard and Paysinger) although they fully intend to carry six for most or all of the season. In other words, don't get too worked up if the initial roster features two fullbacks, or ten defensive linemen, or eleven defensive backs. The allocation will work itself out after the team assesses the talent that shakes loose from other teams. There might also be some maneuvers to avoid guaranteeing the salaries of marginal vested veterans, though the Giants don't seem to do much of that.
Or maybe Gaskins just beats Cox out for the fourth spot. Not likely, but possible. Considering the attrition rate among Giant running backs, it might not be a bad idea to have both of them around (roster, PS, whatever).
Gaines sticks over Brown
Idonije over Kuhn