This competition appears to have played out as anticipated

As the preseason rolled along, it seemed increasingly apparent that Hunter Sharp and Kalif Raymond were probably competing for one roster spot — that of backup wide receiver and kick returner.

Sharp appears to have won that competition as reports indicate that the Giants have released Raymond.

• Giants roster cuts tracker

Raymond averaged 11.3 yards on punt returns and 13.3 on kickoff returns in the preseason. Sharp averaged 13.3 and 25.3, respectively, with the highlight being a 55-yard punt return touchdown vs. the New York Jets.

Sharp caught three preseason passes, though he did have some drops. Raymond caught two, and coach Pat Shurmur appeared critical of Raymond Thursday after at least one of the two interceptions Kyle Lauletta threw while targeting him.

• Giants roster cuts 2018: WR Roger Lewis, S Andrew Adams released

Follow our Giants cuts tracker throughout the day. Our NFL cuts tracker is also following notable roster moves around the league.