It wasn’t a fun season for the New York Giants in 2024. They stumbled to a 3-14 record, suffering the death throes of the Daniel Jones era while struggling to find any sense of identity. However, there were some bright spots. That included fifth-round rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who seized the starting RB job and led the team in rushing. A popular fantasy draft target in preseason, Tracy’s utility in fantasy lineups is now in serious jeopardy. So what the heck is going on??
Year-to-Date Analysis
It wasn’t a good day for any Giants in their Week 1 loss to the Commanders. New York scored only six points in Russell Wilson’s debut under center, and Tracy was not exempt from the struggle. But Tyrone did receive ten carries and five targets on 50 total snaps. The other two running backs – Devin Singletary and Cam Skattebo – combined for only five carries and two targets on 18 total snaps. It wasn’t a good performance, but it did seem to indicate Tracy had the inside track on touches for this team.
But the fortunes of this Giants offense turned in Week 2. Russell Wilson cut loose, throwing for 450 yards and driving New York to 37 points in their overtime loss to the Cowboys. But despite the huge offensive day, Tracy found himself on the outside looking in, carrying the ball five times to Cam Skattebo’s 11 totes. He still led the pass game with five targets to Skattebo’s three, but lost the snap count battle. And this is where things get concerning.
Skattebo is a destructive runner. He wants to run everyone in his path into the dirt. For a rebuilding team seeking to establish a culture, his style sure endears him to coaches and teammates.
So, does any hope remain for Tracy? Or has the job already been lost?
The Verdict
My gut tells me this is Skattebo’s backfield now. Even with the passing down workload, Tracy can’t be considered anything more than a bottom-barrel flex option right now.
Don’t drop him outright, because things can always change. But if you drafted Tracy to be your RB2, tough luck. Brian Daboll wants to play with his shiny new toy.
