The NY Giants’ running backs need to improve on their successes from 2021, and should be getting a boost from Saquon Barkley’s return.
The NY Giants had a surprise and unexpected run game in 2020. Before the season, it would’ve been nearly impossible to believe that Saquon Barkley wouldn’t lead the team or even be top three in carries, yards, and touchdowns.
However, that’s how the season went after some unexpected injuries and bad luck. The Giants went through the season with multiple running backs who carried different roles as the season went on with new expectations and some surprise contributions.
Here, we break down the NY Giants’ running backs and what to expect from their ground attack in 2021.
NY Giants 2021 Starting Running Back: Saquon Barkley, Penn State
Saquon Barkley will enter 2021 as again the team’s unquestioned leader at running back and will be leaned on heavily to carry this offense.
Barkley missed nearly the entire 2020 season with a torn ACL suffered in Week 2. In Barkley’s absence, the Giants turned to a free agent in Devonta Freeman alongside Dion Lewis. From there, Freeman was injured and along with Lewis’s inefficiency, it led to the breakout of Wayne Gallman.
Barkley has been aggressively rehabbing towards his return from ACL surgery and is expected to be back for Week 1.
The NY Giants will likely work Saquon back slowly into the offense to avoid injury and urge on the side of caution.
When healthy, Barkley is the NFL’s premier home run hitter and tackle-breaker at running back. He is lightning in a bottle who can turn any run into an 80-yard scamper with some highlight reel cuts, jukes, hurdles, and head fakes along the way.
Barkley is the team’s most talented player on offense.
He has the god-given talent to do things with the football in his hand and make guys miss that you can’t teach or coach. If he stays healthy, expect Saquon to return to Pro Bowl or All-Pro form if his offensive line creates the holes needed for him to succeed. The expectations for #26 are sky-high as they should be for any #2 overall pick, it’s going to be a career year for Saquon Barkley.
NY Giants 2021 Backup Running Back #1: Corey Clement, Wisconsin
Corey Clement has been a Giants killer for the last four years. If you can’t beat ’em, sign ’em.
Clement joined New York as an invite to Rookie Minicamp. Clement impressed enough to land a contract for the season to prove his worth.
Clement has never been a lead back before but has always impressed in a limited, complementary role. He has a strong 4.0 yards per carry throughout his career and he offers plenty in the receiving game while also chipping in with his pass blocking abilities.
Clement should be one of the top options for New York off the bench in case of emergency or to rest Saquon Barkley. Clement has always stepped up in big games and will look to carve out a niche role for himself in the Giants’ crowded offense.
NY Giants 2021 Backup Running Back #2: Devontae Booker, Utah
Devontae Booker was one of the first acquisitions for New York during the 2021 offseason.
Booker’s experience and versatility caught the eye of the Giants front office and Joe Judge. His play in Denver for four years and Las Vegas for one year was enough for the Giants to hand him a surprising two-year, $5.5 million contract.
Clearly, the NY Giants may envision a bigger role for Booker than people would like to think. They think of him as a starting back, capable of stepping up in a pinch in Barkley’s absence. Booker should fit the zone-run scheme well and make an impact as part of a platoon in 2021.
NY Giants 2021 Reserve Running Back #1: Ryquell Armstead, Temple
Ryquell Armstead is back in the NFL after not playing football last season.
Armstead had some serious health issues last year as he fought the COVID-19 virus. He struggled to gain his wind back and dealt with some long-term bouts of COVID and feeling its damage. He was twice hospitalized with respiratory issues during the season.
Armstead was a pleasant surprise contributor for Jacksonville in 2019. He posted five rushing touchdowns to go with two receiving touchdowns in 16 games with only one start. Clearly, he has some ability. If he can stay healthy, he is a top sleeper candidate to make the 2021 team.
NY Giants 2021 Reserve Running Back #2: Gary Brightwell, Arizona
Gary Brightwell heads into year one of his NFL career. Brightwell is joining a crowded group in 2021 full of experienced, veteran backs.
Brightwell will need to find a big way to impress the coaching staff with limited touches this training camp. Expect him to land on the practice squad as the team looks to develop a potential diamond in the rough at running back.
NY Giants 2021 Reserve Running Back #3: Taquan Mizzell, Virginia
Taquan Mizzell was a midseason addition to New York last year. He spent the remainder of the season with the Giants on their practice squad.
Mizzell hasn’t seen an NFL carry since 2018. His career clock is officially ticking and this may be his last shot to stick around in the NFL. Expect him to be a competitor in training camp and another possible midseason signing if an injury or two pops up.
NY Giants 2021 Reserve Running Back #4: Sandro Platzgummer, International
Sandro Platzgummer is in his second year in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program as a member of the Giants from last season.
Platzgummer has intriguing size and skills, but his lack of experience at any football level in America may hold him back. He doesn’t count towards the 53-man roster due to his status as a Pathway Program player.
NY Giants 2021 Starting Fullback: Elijhaa Penny, Idaho
Eli Penny is one of the more unheralded, no-name players for the New York Giants from the last few seasons. Despite his quieter reputation, Penny has hung around for three seasons in New York and looks to add a 4th in 2021.
Penny has been the Giants’ lead blocker in the backfield for a few seasons now and he is a solid player. He isn’t much of a pass catcher but can catch a pass or two here and there. A natural Joe Judge-like player, Penny’s main role is as a lead blocker and to be a core contributor on special teams. Expect his role to continue in that direction in 2021.
NY Giants 2021 Fullback #2: Cullen Gillaspia, Texas A&M
Cullen Gillaspia looks to knock off Eli Penny from the perch in the Giants’ fullback spot. The team is only going to carry one fullback, so Gillaspia has his work cut out from here.
Gillaspia comes to New York from Houston, Texas where he was used seldomly over two seasons. He has one career touch and that may not be enough to make this Giants’ roster in 2021.