Relief for struggling Giants as offensive stud cleared to play

So far this season, Tracy Jr. has recorded 376 rushing yards, 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While these numbers aren't eye-popping, they're ahead of Devin Singletary's 250 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards and two touchdowns. 

Singletary signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the Giants in the offseason to be their starting running back after Saquon Barkley landed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Singletary was sidelined with a groin injury in Week 5, allowing Tracy Jr. a chance to move up the depth chart. He then impressed in the upset against the Seattle Seahawks by recording 129 rushing yards on 18 carries.  

The fifth-rounder was considered by some as a sleeper pick for the Giants. The former wide receiver converted to the running back position while at Purdue and showed exciting traits, but not enough to land him in the higher rounds. Going into the 2024 season, Tracy Jr. was seen as a No. 3 running back and would perhaps be a dangerous kick returner. Now, he's emerging as an exciting rookie to watch and vital part of a struggling offense desperate for a spark. 

During "Monday Night Football" against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, Tracy Jr. recorded 145 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries against one of the best rushing defenses this season. 

Of course, this hasn't drastically changed the Giants' win-loss record, but if the team hopes to start winning again, it'll need to lean on Tracy Jr. moving forward. Week 9 presents a good opportunity for the team to do just that, as the Commanders' run defense has allowed 1,123 yards on the ground this season. If the Giants get Tracy Jr. involved in the ground game, they can keep superstar rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels off the field too. 

Regardless, Tracy Jr.'s development is key to the Giants' future success and something for fans to hold on to if the season continues to spiral downward.