Giants activate Hernandez from COVID-list, waive Ballentine

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants have activated starting left guard Will Hernandez off the Reserve/COVID-19 list after missing two games.

New York (2-7) on Tuesday also waived cornerback Corey Ballentine, a sixth-round pick a year ago, and added wide receiver/return specialist Dante Pettis to the roster.

Hernandez was placed on the Reserve/COVID list on Oct. 29, four days before a game against Tampa Bay. It ended his career-beginning streak of 39 consecutive starts. Rookie Shane Lemieux replaced him and played well.

Pettis was awarded off waivers last Wednesday, a day after being released by the 49ers after less than three seasons. He had a roster exemption while he was in the COVID-19 protocols.

Ballentine started the first two games this season but saw his playing time diminish as the season progressed. He even lost his job as the kickoff returner to running back Dion Lewis.

Ballentine suffered a tragedy on the night he was drafted out of Washburn University in Kansas. His roommate and teammate, Dwane Simmons, was killed in the shooting at an off-campus party. Ballentine was wounded.

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