EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Michael Clayton might not need a lot of time to get on the same page with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
While they have never played on the same team, Clayton and Manning were roommates for three months at a camp in Florida before the NFL Scouting Combine in 2004.
"I was his receiver down there," Clayton recalled, saying he used to wake up Manning in the morning and drive him to their workouts.
"God works in mysterious ways," Clayton added. "To have an opportunity to be able to catch ball from him on this level is a dream I have been waiting for, to get a qualified quarterback and to get an opportunity. Last year, everyone caught balls here, no matter who you are, and that's what I am looking for."
The Giants (6-4) are in desperate need of anyone to step up at receiver this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4). A rash of injuries the past two weeks has sidelined Steve Smith, Ramses Barden and leading receiver Hakeem Nicks.
Nicks was hurt in Sunday night's 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He is expected to miss at least three games, leaving Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan as the only experienced receivers on the Giants' roster.
Clayton, the 15th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2004 draft, was signed Tuesday, and Devin Thomas was awarded to the Giants off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.
"Once you have learned coach Gruden's playbook, and once you go through that book, you can go through anything in the world," Clayton quipped.
Clayton has had an interesting season. He was released by the Bucs before the start of the season, had tryouts with the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals in October and was playing with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League the past month.
Clayton said he had to swallow his pride to go to the UFL, but the practice and hard work helped him get ready to return to the NFL, where he caught 221 passes in his six years with the Bucs.
"At this level, you never know what is going to happen," Clayton said. "All you can do is give your very best effort, and that's one of the things I have always done."
Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Clayton has been given the game plan.
"He doesn't have to get the volume," Coughlin said. "He's got to learn what's going to happen this week."
Manning said it was good to work with Clayton again.
"I know he's excited about being here and seeing how he can help us out," Manning said. "He's obviously a veteran guy who has played in a lot of football games, and he should be able to pick it up quickly and get some playing time."
Clayton said he is willing to do what's needed to help the team.
"Catch balls. Special teams. Anything that it takes to win," he said. "Obviously, there are a lot of guys banged up here, and guys are going to be expected to do more. Guys like myself can come in and relieve other guys in their roles -- definitely on special teams, and the offense is pretty set in what they do, and I'm focused on learning the formations and the plays right now."
Clayton had his best NFL season after working with Manning. He had 80 catches for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie with the Bucs.
Watching the videotapes, Clayton already appreciates New York's offensive line. It gives Manning and his receivers time to do their thing.
"There is a lot of detail in the route running here, where in (my) past there has not been enough time to put those details on your routes," Clayton said. "I think that's why these guys are so successful with what they do. It's a credit to them and what they have accomplished. I hope to fit in."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
