NY Giants Running Backs Breakdown: Strengths, Questions & Outlook

Nostalgia is not a bad thing, as it sometimes reminds you of things you should be doing that you have strayed away from. 

Longtime New York Giants fans remember the recipe for success on the football field. The teams that had the most success were those with strong defenses and rushing attacks with multiple, capable options in the backfield. 

Perhaps it was the regime taking a look back at the team's previous success and noting that a strong rushing attack was the catalyst. Even in 2022, while it was a breakout season for then-quarterback Daniel Jones, the play of running back Saquon Barkley is really what led the team to success offensively. 

Now it feels like the Giants are trying to get back into the running back business. 

One of the staples of the old rushing attacks before the Barkley seasons was a committee of backs that the team felt comfortable handing the ball off to. However, when they were at their best, it was when two backs could carry the mail, bringing different dynamics to the table. 

The Giants have a chance to get back to that this season. They found a jewel on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft in Tyrone Tracy, Jr, and doubled back on Day 3 of the draft this season by selecting Arizona “bowling ball” Cam Skattebo. 

Tracy was good in his rookie campaign, and everyone was surprised, including the Giants, who in free agency had paid Devin Singletary to be their starter. He was quickly usurped by Tracy when the then-rookie stepped in for Singletary in Week 5 when he was out with an injury. 

He also made people forget about Eric Gray, who was taken on Day 3 of the 2023 draft. The Giants are undoubtedly hoping that Skattabo can have the impact Tracy had as a rookie. If he does, they can lay claim to having made another savvy draft pick instead of simply getting lucky on Day 3.

Rostered Players

Tyrone Tracy Jr.: Tracy spent the first four games fighting for carries, but in week five, he took advantage of the opportunity to carry the rock. He carried the ball 18 times for 129 yards and never looked back. He finished with over 1,100 all-purpose yards, making Giants fans excited about what he can do in his second season in the offense. 

Devin Singletary: Singletary began the season as the starter but settled into the RB2 role after Tracy began to emerge. S

Singletary continued to be a professional and performed decently, but likely not to the level expected by him or the team. He will look to redeem himself in 2025, but that may be easier said than done with all of the competition in the running back room. 

Cam Skattebo: Skattebo seems to already be a fan favorite in New York, and that love will only grow if he can become what the team drafted him to do: be the thunder to Tracy's lightning. 

Skattebo made a legendary name for himself at Arizona State after gaining stardom at Sacramento State, an FCS program. He is a physical, hard-nosed runner who is shiftier than some give him credit for. 

Eric Gray: Gray is still looking for his opportunity to carve out a role in this backfield. He was drafted during Saquon Barkley's final season, and Gray’s second season turned out to be Tracy’s breakout. 

Gray’s limited carries over his first two seasons have not shown growth, but his pass receiving has shown improvement, and he showed promise as the kick returner. 

Dante Miller: “Turbo” is the perfect nickname for Miller. He seems to have one speed, and that is full speed. It is probably why he did not grab that final running back slot last season, coming out of training camp. 

He spent the season with the Giants and was even active for two games. This season, he will try to prove that he can not only be a speedster in the backfield but also as a returner. 

Rushawn Baker: Baker is a big back from Elon, an FCS program. He was typecast as a short-yardage back, but during the back half of his final collegiate season, he showed the ability to be an every-down back. Now he is with the Giants, hoping to prove he can be a bigger, more powerful option in the backfield.