Giants cut Clint Sintim, Justin Trattou; sign Laron Scott, Bobby Skinner

Former second-round pick linebacker Clint Sintim (knee) is no longer a New York Giant. The three-year veteran, who has battled knee problems for the past two seasons, was waived-failed physical on Thursday along with defensive end Justin Trattou (heel/ankle), who was waived-injured.

With two additional roster spots opening up, the Giants added undrafted rookie kick returner Laron Scott (5-9, 184) and defensive tackle Bobby Skinner (6-3, 298).

Trattou had hoped to fill departed defensive end Dave Tollefson’s role in the defense, but that job will likely go to Adrian Tracy now. Sintim struggled as a rookie before tearing his ACL in 2010 and 2011.

Scott had a 67-yard kickoff return for the New Orleans Saints in their first preseason game, but he was ultimately released to make room for another signing. He did have 12 interceptions as a cornerback at Georgia Southern and said he’s eager for the opportunity to play defense and special teams as well. (He even told CBSSports.com that he’d welcome the opportunity to be on the practice squad.)

Scott ranked third in the NCAA last season with a 30.59-yard kick-return average. He returned two kicks for touchdowns in his collegiate career, but only returned one punt in three seasons at Georgia Southern. Oddly enough, that return was good for 41 yards.

“That’s a good question,” Scott said when asked why he never returned another punt. “I ask the same question myself. I never second-guessed the coaches though.”

Scott believes he’s capable of returning kicks and punts at the NFL level, which is good because both Jerrel Jernigan and Jayron Hosley muffed punts in the first preseason game.

Skinner is a native of nearby Staten Island, N.Y., who along with Wednesday’s signees -- defensive tackles Carlton Powell and Oren Wilson -- was brought in after a recent barrage of injuries along the defensive line. Shaun Rogers’ season has ended because of a blood clot in his leg and fellow defensive tackle Martin Parker was waived-injured because of a herniated disc in his back that will require surgery.

Defensive tackle Chris Canty is also still on PUP because of an ongoing knee issue.

Powell has actually been in this situation before. Last season he was signed by the Atlanta Falcons after the first preseason game, but still made the 53-man roster out of camp. Ultimately, though, Powell (6-3, 312) was released after three games and joined Atlanta’s practice squad.

Follow the Giants and Alex Raskin @CBSSportsNFLNYG and @AlexRaskinNYC.