The Giants have begun to cut players to get down to the final number of 53 on the roster by 6 p.m. Saturday. So far, the most surprising name to hit the cutting room floor: Bear Pascoe.

The second-year tight end, who played four games for the Giants last year, has been waived, his agent, Ken Staninger, confirmed Saturday morning.

"He has such a great sense of humor, that I thought he was pulling my leg," Staninger said. "I quizzed him for 10 minutes until I realized he was serious."

Pascoe played in only four games last season, meaning he's eligible for the practice squad if he clears waivers. The Giants would surely like to at least have Pascoe on the practice squad, as their release of him and TE Scott Chandler means Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum are the only tight ends on the roster. Beckum has had neck and hamstring issues this preseason, though he's expected to return to action next week.

The following players have also been waived, according to their agents and various sources: DT Dwayne Hendricks, OL Jim Cordle, OL Dennis Landolt, S John Busing, QB Dominic Randolph, OL Jacob Bender and DE Tommie Hill. Cordle could land on the practice squad.

There are reports DT Nate Collins, WR Tim Brown and RB Gartrell Johnson have been cut, but I haven't confirmed them. Below is a running cut list and roster as I have confirmed:

* * * *

PLAYERS CUT (9)

DT Dwayne Hendricks

OL Jim Cordle

OL Dennis Landolt

S John Busing

TE Bear Pascoe

TE Scott Chandler

DE Tommie Hill

QB Dominic Randolph

OL Jacob Bender

* * * *

OFFENSE (32)

Quarterback (3): Eli Manning, Sage Rosenfels, Rhett Bomar

Running Back (6): Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, Andre Brown, D.J. Ware, Gartrell Johnson*, Darius Reynaud

Fullback (2): Madison Hedgecock, Jerome Johnson

Offensive Line (11): Shaun O’Hara, Chris Snee, Rich Seubert, David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie, William Beatty, Shawn Andrews, Adam Koets, Guy Whimper, Mitch Petrus, Herb Taylor

Wide Receiver (8): Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Ramses Barden, Derek Hagan, Victor Cruz, Duke Calhoun, Tim Brown*

Tight End (2): Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum

* * * *

DEFENSE (33)

Defensive End (6): Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul, Dave Tollefson, Alex Hall

Defensive Tackle (6): Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, Rocky Bernard, Linval Joseph, Jay Alford, Nate Collins*

Linebacker (8): Michael Boley, Jonathan Goff, Keith Bulluck, Clint Sintim, Chase Blackburn, Bryan Kehl, Gerris Wilkinson, Phillip Dillard

Cornerback (7): Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross, Bruce Johnson, Courtney Brown, Seth Williams, D.J. Johnson

Safety (6): Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Kenny Phillips, Michael Johnson, Sha’reff Rashad, Matt O’Hanlon

* * * *

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Long Snapper (1): Zak DeOssie

Kicker (1): Lawrence Tynes

Punter (1): Matt Dodge

* * * *

PUP LIST (1)

OL Kevin Boothe (Doesn't count against 53-man roster)

(Players marked with an asterist are reportedly cut but not confirmed by me)