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Giants feared to lose former All-Pro returner Gunner Olszewski for season
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- Giants feared to lose former All-Pro returner Gunner Olszewski for season
One of the most devastating injuries in the NFL is a non-contact lower-body injury. Especially when it occurs during offseason workouts. On Friday, the New York Giants saw a key contributor go down with what could be a season-ending injury.
Reports surfaced that former All-Pro kick and punt returner Gunner Olszewski suffered an injury that is expected to sideline him for the season. Early indications suggest he sustained an Achilles injury.
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The news comes as a significant blow to a player the Giants quietly uncovered as a valuable asset in 2023. Since arriving in New York, Olszewski has served as the team's primary return specialist and a key contributor on special teams.
New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (80) runs the ball, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
Olszewski joined the Giants after spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots . He handled return duties from 2019 through 2023 for the Patriots then Steelers. Olszewski entered the league as an undrafted free agent with New England and earned All-Pro honors in 2020.
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How Olszewski got to the Giants
He signed with the Steelers during the 2022 free agency period, but his stint in Pittsburgh was short-lived. Olszewski struggled to make an impact and was released midway through the 2023 season.
The Giants signed him to their practice squad later that year before promoting him to the active roster just days afterward. He missed the 2024 season with a groin injury but returned in 2025.
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Upon his return, Olszewski reclaimed the lead return role and recorded 50 total returns for 898 yards. He also contributed on offense with 10 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (80) gets ready to complete a pass, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
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The lone silver lining for the Giants is their offseason signing of Calvin Austin III. Austin brings extensive experience as both a kick and punt returner from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After Olszewski's departure from Pittsburgh in 2023, Austin took over as the Steelers' primary return specialist and held that role through 2025. He was also expected to compete for the WR3 and WR4 spots in New York's offense.
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Austin entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in the same offseason that Olszewski signed with Pittsburgh. A foot injury requiring season-ending surgery forced him to miss his entire rookie season in 2022.
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) catches a pass during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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He developed into a reliable WR3 during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. As a returner, Austin amassed 72 punt returns for 639 yards and a touchdown during his tenure with the Steelers. He also recorded 84 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns on offense.
Still, the Giants would undoubtedly prefer to have both Olszewski and Austin available rather than losing Olszewski for what appears to be the entire season.
