The New York Giants announced Saturday that defensive tackle Chris Canty has been moved to the 53-man roster and will play his first game of the season Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Canty had been on the physically unable to perform list since offseason surgery on his right knee.
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To create a roster spot, the Giants placed running back Da'Rel Scott on injured reserve.
The Giants' defensive front was among the NFL's best, even without Canty, who started all 20 games during the team's 2011 Super Bowl run. The addition should help improve the NFL's No. 16-ranked run defense and take some of the load off Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora. Canty had 47 tackles and four sacks last season. The attention he commands on the inside draws an extra body away from those defensive ends.
Opponents have had success against a banged up Giants secondary, but pressure up front limits how long the corners have to chase. So, Canty should aid the No. 21-ranked pass rush as well.
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