New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) runs back a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Giants place 'Mr. Irrelevant' Tae Crowder on IR with hamstring injury

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/20/20

The 2020 New York Giants seemingly cannot have any nice things this fall.

Just two days after linebacker Tae Crowder became a hero and helped the Giants win their first game of the season following five straight losses, Big Blue placed the 23-year-old on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

The rookie, who earned the "Mr. Irrelevant" distinction as the final selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, took a fumble recovery 43 yards to the house with under four minutes remaining in Sunday's game against the Washington Football Team to put the Giants ahead 20-13. New York held on for a 20-19 win.

Due to a rule for the season held amid the coronavirus pandemic, a player on IR must miss a minimum of three games. Crowder could be cleared to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 15.

In a corresponding roster move, the Giants added veteran defensive end Jabaal Sheard from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. Per New York's website, Sheard played in 15 snaps in Jacksonville's loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday. That was his first appearance of the campaign.

Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Sheard has tallied 387 regular-season tackles, 51.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles during his pro career. Sheard can't play in Thursday's game against Philadelphia but could be eligible to participate in the Nov. 2 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

More must-reads: