Giants Newcomer Could Supercharge Rushing Attack in 2026

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have gotten all the love for the Baltimore Ravens' rushing attack. But Patrick Ricard played a huge role in opening holes for them.

So the now-former Ravens fullback will now be opening holes for the New York Giants, and Ricard stands to further unlock a rushing attack that finished fifth in the NFL in yards per game last year.

Ricard is a six-time Pro Bowler, who has helped the Ravens rank in the top-two in rushing in each of the past four seasons. Of course, Jackson is a two-time MVP, but Henry has rushed for 1,500+ yards in both years with Ricard opening holes for him in Baltimore.

With quarterback Jaxson Dart and RB1 Cam Skattebo, the Giants have light versions of Jackson and Henry leading their backfields.

Pat Ricard Could Further Unlock the Giants Rushing Attack

Ricard had two touches in 2025 yet was an AFC Pro Bowler for the second-ranked rushing attack, despite 11 games and five starts.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic explained where Ricard will line up and what Giants fans can expect while watching him.

"He typically lined up as an in-line tight end on half of his snaps in Baltimore, reaching a high of 80.5 percent of his snaps in 2023," Duggan wrote. "The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder’s ability to play tight end and fullback makes him a valuable piece despite having just 60 touches in nine seasons."

Ricard's role will is to be neither seen nor heard. Outside of a rare catch every now and then, Giants fans will only hear his name if he is flagged for holding.

The Giants Have Always won With Fullbacks on the Roster

The Giants have opted to deploy 12 personnel while running the ball, which has meant a second blocking-first tight end in the game.

Still, the history of the Giants is loaded with fullbacks. Maurice Carthon was a pass-catching and blocking fullback, lead blocking for Joe Morris and Ottis Anderson during Super Bowl XXI and XXV. Greg Comella had a famous touchdown for the Giants in their 41-0 rout of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2000 NFC Championship Game.

In 2007, the Giants had Madison Hedgecock to open holes for Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Even in their most recent playoff season, 2022, the Giants deployed Chris Myarick as a fullback.

So that's not to say Ricard will lead the Giants to the Super Bowl this year. But if history is any guide, when they get there the Giants will have a fullback playing a prominent role.