Free agent running back Jay Ajayi could be game-ready as soon as next week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Ajayi lost the bulk of his 2018 season to an ACL tear, but is apparently feeling spry enough to get back on the field.
With the focus on free agent running backs thanks to the high-ankle sprain for #Giants RB Saquon Barkley, worth noting: FA RB Jay Ajayi is close to being game-ready and might be next week, source said. Would be an intriguing midseason addition.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2019
Before his injury-shortened 2018, Ajayi turned in a pair of fine campaigns. In 2016, he earned his first career Pro Bowl nod as he averaged 4.9 yards per carry for the Dolphins. In 2017, a mid-season trade sent him to the Eagles, where he averaged 5.8 yards per tote off of 70 tries and captured his first ever Super Bowl ring.
In theory, Ajayi could be a solution for the Giants, who are in need of reinforcements after losing star Saquon Barkley to a high-ankle sprain. The Chiefs, not long ago, also profiled as a fit for Ajayi, though the re-emergence of LeSean McCoy probably has them covered in the wake of Damien Williams‘ injury.
The advanced metrics indicate that Ajayi is among the league’s better running backs when healthy so he could provide a major midseason boost to any club in need of ground game help.
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