In a season plagued by injuries, the New York Giants turned to a face familiar to general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll in order to inject life into their special teams unit.

Last week, the Giants signed veteran wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud to the practice squad, a low-risk move amid a depleted receiving corps reeling from Malik Nabers’ torn ACL.

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At 29, McCloud brings a journeyman’s grit — drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 under Schoen and Daboll, he’s bounced through Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Atlanta, amassing 158 catches for 1,518 yards in 98 games.

But it’s McCloud’s wheels that have special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial buzzing.

“He obviously has the juice,” Ghobrial told reporters on Thursday, praising McCloud’s home-run ability, short-area quickness, catch mechanics, and top-end speed — tools honed over 140 punt returns (1,326 yards) and 126 kickoffs (2,890 yards).

“That skill set has obviously given him success in this league,” Ghobrial added, underscoring McCloud’s proven track record.

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As the Giants eye explosive plays, Ghobrial plans to integrate him fully.

“He’ll certainly be a person that we work back there and see what gives us the best chance to win the game on Sunday,” he said.

With the return game sputtering against stout coverage, McCloud’s versatility as a slot weapon and returner positions him for game-changing reps versus the San Francisco 49ers.

As practice heats up, McCloud could earn a gameday call-up, transforming lackluster returns into momentum-shifters. For a team desperate for sparks, McCloud’s burst might just ignite the fuse.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Ray-Ray McCloud emerges as possible return option