Giants RB Could See Role Change in New-Look Committee originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Giants were kicking themselves last season when they allowed superstar running back Saquon Barkley to walk in free agency, where he would go on to have the most productive season of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
To make matters worse, last year’s NFL Draft class didn’t bring much immediate excitement around the ball carriers, with the first one taken at pick No. 46 in the second round.
However, the Giants saw a change of fortune by hitting on one of the few rookie running backs who had a solid season in 2024: Tyrone Tracy.
Tracy was picked in in the fifth round of last year’s Draft and would go on to have a surprising season, emerging as New York’s lead back in this transition period after Barkley. The Purdue grad finished with 839 rush yards and five touchdowns. Tracy was also featured in the pass game with 284 receiving yards.
What’s even more impressive is that he’s still learning the position, having been a receiver first in college. Last season was just his second ever as a primary rusher. The expectation is that Tracy will continue to grow as a running back, but he may not receive as many touches in the process with a new face in town.
Tracy is joined by a new rookie in the Giants backfield in fourth-rounder Cam Skattebo, one of college football’s most complete workhorse running backs a season ago.
Their play styles are different, but this addition causes Tracy’s role in the offense to be blurred more than last year.
Pro Football Focus detailed some expectations for Tracy this season now that Skattebo is also in the fold.
“Given the size of the two backs and Tracy’s history as a wide receiver, it would make sense for Skattebo to play on early downs, particularly in short-yardage situations, while Tracy plays more on passing downs,” writer Nathan Jahnke said.
“However, Skattebo was used much more as a receiver in college compared to other running backs of a similar size. This means it’s completely up in the air how snaps will be distributed between these two running backs just from their characteristics.”
Veteran Devin Singletary was also mentioned as a candidate to see snaps in multiple situations, leading to a potential three-man committee in the Giants’ backfield.
Skattebo will give Tracy a run for his money in the competition to be the lead back, but with some added motivation and a productive season under his belt, the second-year ball carrier is expected to rise to the occasion … even if he doesn’t separate himself until a few games into the season.
Similar to the quarterback situation in the Big Apple, the running back room could see some variety throughout the season.
Both figures in the Giants backfield should be watched carefully as head coach Brian Daboll enters a season where his future is likely dependent on the team’s success offensively.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.