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Cornerback Michael Hunter will re-sign with the Giants. (Ed Mulholland | USA TODAY Sports)
Michael Hunter has to hope his stay on the Giants' 53-man roster is longer this time around.
Hunter will be re-signed to the Giants' 53-man roster, according to a person familiar with the situation. They requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the Giants' personnel moves. Hunter is expected to fill the roster spot opened by running back Shane Vereen being placed on injured reserve.
Hunter was promoted from the Giants' practice squad last Tuesday, but the rookie was waived on Saturday when the team added practice squad safety Andrew Adams to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Redskins. Now that Hunter is back, here are five things to know about the 6-foot, 186-pounder:
1. Hunter was without a team last weekend
With the Giants' cutting Hunter late last week, he didn't have a chance to land with another team before Sunday's games so he was unemployed over the weekend. Hunter cleared waivers on Monday and the Giants moved quickly to bring him back.
2. He is needed due to depth concerns
Hunter was waived because the Giants had a greater need for Adams due to injuries to safeties Darian Thompson and Mykkele Thompson. But now it appears that the Giants are just as thin at cornerback.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin) and Eli Apple (hamstring) left Sunday's game with injuries. It is not yet known if either player will be ready for Monday's game at Minnesota. In addition to Hunter, the Giants currently have three healthy cornerbacks -- Janoris Jenkins, Leon Hall and Trevin Wade -- on their 53-man roster.
3. He got a trial by fire from Tom Brady
Like most players fighting for a roster spot, Hunter played extensively in the preseason finale. But Hunter's experience was unique because the Patriots played Hall of Fame-bound quarterback Tom Brady for the entire first half.
Brady put Hunter to the test with a few deep balls. One resulted in a 38-yard completion, but Hunter bounced back later in the half by breaking up a deep pass.
4. He was an undrafted free agent
Hunter signed with the Giants as a free agent immediately after this year's draft. Hunter was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he had an impressive showing at Oklahoma State's pro day in March. His 40-yard dash (4.40 seconds), vertical jump (38.5 inches), 60-yard shuttle (11.27 seconds) and bench press (17 reps) results all would have ranked among the top 10 defensive backs at the combine.
5. He played at two Power 5 colleges
A Monroe, La., native, Hunter began his college career at Indiana. He started 26 games in three seasons with the Hoosiers, recording 91 tackles and two interceptions.
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Hunter earned his degree in exercise science from Indiana before transferring to Oklahoma State for his final season of eligibility. Hunter had 20 tackles and two interceptions for the Cowboys, who went 10-3 and played in the Sugar Bowl last season.
Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.