The New York Giants’ revamped backfield may leave a once-promising young player sidelined. After losing Saquon Barkley in free agency, the Giants bolstered their running back group by signing Devin Singletary and bringing in two rookies. These new additions have intensified the competition for a spot on the final 53-man roster, putting second-year running back Eric Gray at risk of being cut.
The Giants’ rookie running backs have been making a strong impression during training camp. Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. and undrafted free agent Dante “Turbo” Miller have stood out as they compete for roster spots. Tracy, a converted wide receiver from Purdue, has been seeing time with the first team and is emerging as the likely backup behind Singletary, showcasing his skills as both a runner and a receiver.
Miller, known for his incredible speed with a 4.27 40-yard dash and strength with 28 bench reps, has also been turning heads as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Both Tracy and Miller have been frequently highlighted as standout performers in training camp. If they continue to impress during the preseason, they could secure roles in the regular season, potentially at the expense of Gray.
Could Eric Gray be left behind?
Despite the rise of Tracy and Miller, Eric Gray still has a strong chance to make the final roster. He was listed as the second-string running back on the team’s first unofficial depth chart released on Monday.
Gray, a fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, saw significant playing time on special teams as a rookie but struggled to make an impact on offense, with just 17 carries for 48 yards across 13 games.
Gray’s preseason performance will be crucial in determining his roster spot. If he outperforms Tracy and Miller during game action, he could secure a role as the team’s second or third-string running back behind Singletary.
The positive takeaway is that the Giants have plenty of depth in their backfield. The challenge of deciding who to keep and who to cut is a good problem, reflecting the strong talent pool the Giants have assembled.
