J.C.

Hassenauer

As Giants beat writer Dan Duggan notes, there’s a good chance Hassenauer is heading to season-ending IR. Hassenauer signed with the Giants earlier this offseason to serve as added depth on the offensive line. They’ll undoubtedly sign a replacement for him in the coming days.

Hassenauer joined the Steelers in 2019 after a one-year stint with the Alliance of American Football’s Birmingham Iron. He has served as a backup interior lineman, primarily playing center for Pittsburgh since signing, though he has also seen some reps at left guard. Hassenauer will likely play the same role going forward.

An exclusive rights free agent, signing this deal was Hassenauer’s only NFL option. The 26-year-old was forced into heavy snaps down the stretch last season, making a handful of November/December starts. Hassenauer probably didn’t acquit himself well enough to get in the running to replace a retiring Maurkice Pouncey.

The former Crimson Tide prospect spent time on the Falcons’ practice squad before protecting Iron QB Luis Perez up the middle, finishing with sterling marks in both pass- and run-blocking at Pro Football Focus. He’ll compete with backup C Patrick Morris as depth out of camp.