Running back Eric Gray showed the New York Giants that their investment in him is starting to pay dividends in Thursday's 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions. The second-year back had a breakout performance, totaling 98 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice. Gray's night was highlighted by a stunning 48-yard touchdown run that had echoes of his college days and reminded fantasy managers why the Giants took a flier on him in the fifth round last year. But it wasn't just the flashy run; Gray also showed versatility by adding 46 receiving yards on top of his 52 rushing yards, making him a dual-threat weapon. His second score, a gritty one-yard plunge, sealed the victory and might have sealed his spot as a serious fantasy option moving forward. With Devin Singletary as the starter for now, Gray's emerging role could make him a sneaky pickup in deeper leagues, especially if the Giants look to lighten Singletary's workload.
Eric Gray Sees Plenty Of Run With First-Team Offense
New York Giants running back Eric Gray saw a lot of run with the first-team offense during organized team activities on Thursday, leading the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard to put Gray as the team's RB2 behind starter Devin Singletary. In addition, the Giants waived/injured Gary Brightwell, a sixth-round pick in 2021 by the previous regime, on Thursday. The G-Men are facing life without Saquon Barkley in 2024. Singletary is likely to lead this backfield, but he's never been a workhorse back in the NFL and will certainly cede backfield touches in his first year in the Big Apple. Gray was a fifth-rounder in 2023 and had only 23 touches for 70 yards on 65 offensive snaps a year ago. Given the lack of competition behind Gray, he's a good bet to see a significant boost in touches in Year 2. He'll be a handcuff option for Singletary owners in deeper fantasy leagues.
New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (neck) and running back Eric Gray (ankle) are active for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. The big story here is that Slayton, who had been listed as doubtful, made significant progress over the last few days and is now healthy enough to play. He's the first player since Week 8 of the 2020 season to suit up despite being listed as questionable. Fantasy managers should view him as a low-end fantasy WR3 in a favorable matchup. Gray, meanwhile, will operate as the Giants' No. 3 running back after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. He could log a few snaps but remains off the fantasy radar.
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (calf) has been activated from the injured reserve on Saturday. Gray has been able to log in back-to-back full practice sessions to end the week. However, he remains questionable heading into the Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. His presence won't mean too much for the Giants offense. Superstar back Saquon Barkley is going to handle the bulk of the carries in the backfield. Gray could see a few carries mixed in, but it won't be enough to warrant streaming him in any fantasy formats.
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (calf) has been placed on injured reserve with a calf injury that he suffered in Week 7. The rookie ball carrier logged just 13 carries for 27 yards so far this season but was used in both the punt and kick return game. Offensive tackle Matt Peart (shoulder) was also placed on IR so both players will be out for a minimum of four weeks. The Giants running back Jashaun Corbin from the Panthers' practice squad and claimed running back Deon Jackson off waivers in a pair of corresponding moves.
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (calf) suffered a calf injury in the first quarter against the Washington Commanders and did not return to the game. With the rookie unavailable to return punts, wide receiver Sterling Shepard took over the duties and muffed a punt. That led to the lone Washington touchdown for the afternoon. The Giants also lost Gary Brightwell (hamstring) to an injury, leaving just Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida to finish the game.
Eric Gray Logs First NFL Carries, Leads Giants In Rushing
New York Giants running back Eric Gray rushed the ball 12 times for 25 yards in the team's 31-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The rookie led the G-Men in both carries and rushing yards. He added one catch for one yard. Veteran Matt Breida started the game due to the absence of Saquon Barkley (ankle) but Gray ended up with three more carries. Gary Brightwell did not receive any touches. While the production leaves a lot to be desired, Sunday was the first time Gray saw any snaps on offense. The fifth-round pick will likely be relegated to the return team when Barkley is healthy, but his usage is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers rostering Gray in dynasty formats. In redraft leagues, Gray can be left on the waiver wire.
Eric Gray Could Receive Backfield Touches In Week 3
New York Giants running back Eric Gray has been relegated to special teams duty so far in his NFL career but he could see some opportunities on offense in Week 3 due to the absence of starter Saquon Barkley (ankle). Veteran Matt Breida is expected to get the start and Gary Brightwell may mix in as well. The Giants could opt to script a few plays to get the rookie Gray into the open field where he can show off his shiftiness. Keep an eye on how the Giants use the fifth-rounder against San Francisco on Thursday Night Football. He is currently not worth rostering unless you play in a dynasty league.
New York Giants rookie running back Eric Gray didn't get much work in the backfield during training camp this summer, but that could change if the Giants seek a change of pace if Saquon Barkley (ankle) misses any time after spraining his right ankle in the Week 2 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Gray impressed as a punt returner on Sunday, picking up 14 yards in the fourth quarter to help set the offense up with good field position. The 23-year-old is shifty in the open field and could be a weapon in the passing game. However, he could be a liability in pass protection in his first NFL season, which could limit the amount of touches he gets behind Matt Breida if Barkley misses time. The fifth-rounder dressed for the first two games, but all 20 of his snaps so far have come on special teams.
