Former Giants running back Orleans Darkwa is said to be “100%” recovered from his Achilles tear (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Darkwa is ready to sign with a team, Schefter hears, so it might not be long before he gets back on the gridiron.
Darkwa tore the Achilles tendon in his right leg during an October audition with the Jaguars, a frustrating setback after he had a plate surgically removed from his leg last offseason. The 27-year-old was coming off his most productive NFL season in 2017, rushing for 751 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 171 carries.
Previously, the Giants offered him a contract that would have kept him in New York, and he also received interest from the Redskins, Patriots, and Bills. Darkwa turned down a one-year, ~$1MM contract from the Redskins in August of last year, but he might have to settle for a deal in that ballpark if he hopes to play in 2018.
Football Outsiders ranked Darkwa as a top-25 running back in both DYAR and DVOA in 2017, meaning that he was both effective overall and efficient on a per-play basis. Furthermore, Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics highlighted his ability to create his own yardage.
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