This summer, the New York Giants’ running back room is going through some major changes. The injury to rookie Cam Skattebo has fanned the flames on this reshaping. The team’s depth chart reflects Tyrone Tracy Jr’s ascendance, as he is now listed as the starter after a noteworthy performance last season. With this development, the big question now shifts to how the Giants will approach their plan at running back going forward.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., the fifth-round draft pick from Iowa, was an impressive performer as a rookie. He rushed for a robust 839 yards on 4.4 yards per carry. Whether it was thrust into the spotlight of a playoff run or the buzz of practice in Canton, Ohio, Michalski’s growth this off-season speaks volumes about his drive. Head coach Brian Daboll pointed to a lot of positive development for Tracy in a number of key areas. He even cited her leaps in blitz pickup, run reads and route tree.
“Cam here is nothing but adding to what we got,” Tracy commented on the addition of Skattebo to the roster. He underscored the creativity and multi-dimensionality of this year’s running back class. In his words, “I really think this is a great supplement to the class. And if you really take a good look around our room, there’s just nothing that anybody can’t do.”
The Giants had high hopes when they drafted Skattebo. His hands, route-running ability and yards-after-catch going on full display during spring practices. General Manager Joe Schoen praised Skattebo’s early contributions, saying, “He’s really good. Really instinctive in the pass game. He’s got exceptional hands and he’s tough to get down.” Skattebo’s summer has been prevented by a hamstring issue that has kept him mostly out of action.
Before his injury, Skattebo had a strong start running with the second-team offense. Up until last week, he was only just starting to earn regular reps with the first team. His absence has opened the door for Dante Miller, who joined the program this fall and has moved seamlessly into the role originally envisioned for Skattebo. Tracy has only recently moved into the starting role, but he’s quickly earned QB Tyrod Taylor’s trust. Now, this summer, he’s developed into one of the quarterback’s most trusted targets.
Even with this encouraging trend, Tracy will get flak for ranking fourth among all RBs in drops with five last season. Through all of that, he is still encouraged by the team’s baseline level of success. “So, at the end of the day, whoever’s in there on third down, second down, first down, it doesn’t matter what it is, you’re going to produce,” Tracy stated.
Devin Singletary and Skattebo follow him as the second running back on the depth chart behind Tracy. The Giants hope that as Skattebo recovers from his injury, he can return to form and contribute to a well-rounded offensive strategy.
Coach Daboll’s emphasis on versatility within the running back room reflects a broader strategy aimed at maximizing each player’s strengths. Tracy’s openness to improving and being a more versatile playmaker has made him one of the top candidates in this new-look alignment.
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