The Giants filled the void left by cornerback Janoris Jenkins' release early Tuesday when New York announced the signing of defensive back Rashaan Gaulden off the practice squad.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Gaulden joined the Giants' practice squad Dec. 4 after playing 24 games from 2018-19 with the Carolina Panthers.

Gaulden made nine appearances for the Panthers in 2019, but the bulk of his production was with Carolina last year, when he recorded 17 tackles (two for loss) and a pass breakup over 15 games.

Taken with the 85th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Gaulden starred at Tennessee from 2014-17, racking up 137 tackles (9 1/2 for loss), five pass breakups (one interception) and three forced fumbles (one recovered) with the Volunteers.

The Giants released Jenkins on Friday. The New Orleans Saints promptly moved Monday and signed Jenkins, who was waived by the Giants after refusing to sincerely apologize after directing an offensive word at a fan on Twitter.

With Gaulden's move from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the Giants added rookie defensive tackle Kevin Wilkins. On and off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, most recently from Dec. 3 through last Tuesday, Wilkins is a local product of nearby Rutgers. With the Scarlet Knights from 2015-18, the 6-foot-2, 304-pounder recorded 122 tackles (20 for loss), two sacks and one interception.

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