Giants Notes

Extra help

The NFL has increased the amount of players each club can carry on its practice squad from five to eight. The decision was made in part to give more players a chance to develop, but also to provide teams with more players to practice. Giants GM Ernie Accorsi was the first to mention the possibility of the increase at the combine when he was asked a question about starting a minor league.

On deck

Coughlin gave the club a week off following the minicamp.

Here's what the Giants have in store for them in the coming months:

June 7-10 - Minicamp

June 14-16 - Minicamp

June 17 - End of veteran offseason program

June 25 - End of rookie offseason program

July 29 - Team reports to training camp

July 30 - Training camp, first day of practice

European vacation

The Giants have been thrilled with the play of QB Ryan Van Dyke, who's playing for the Cologne Centurions of the NFL Europe League.

From his 81-yard TD pass during opening weekend to his 377-yard, 4-TD effort in Week 6, Van Dyke is doing everything imaginable to earn a roster spot.

"I just wanted an opportunity to come over and play in NFL Europe," said Van Dyke, who led the league with 1,358 passing yards and was tied for the lead with 12 touchdown passes.

Elsewhere, DE Sean Guthrie (Rhein) has been playing very well, posting two sacks during Week 6. TE Mark Inkrott (Cologne) has been averaging about a catch a week.

OT Dion Meredith (Berlin) and DE Jack Sprague (Cologne) are on the injured reserve list.