Unless you're a Memphis Tigers fan or a member of the Desrosiers family, you may never have heard of Greg Desrosiers Jr. It's time to familiarize yourself, though. With Cam Skattebo potentially set to miss the New York Giants' Week 9 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, Desrosiers Jr. could play an important role.
Skattebo hasn't been officially ruled out for the game, but he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He suffered a hamstring injury on his final run of Big Blue's overtime win against the Houston Texans in Week 7 and still hasn't fully recovered after the bye week.
The Giants have become alarmingly thin at running back. Assuming Skattebo is out, Desrosiers Jr. and Devin Singletary are the only healthy backs on the active roster. Even if a trade deadline move is coming, it likely won't factor into this game.
The undrafted rookie is about to get his first NFL action, and the G-Men need him to make it count.
Cam Skattebo injury pushes Greg Desrosiers Jr. into Giants' spotlight
Desrosiers Jr. didn't start his NFL journey in New York. The Los Angeles Chargers signed him after April's draft. He showed some encouraging flashes in the preseason, even posting a 118-yard performance in one game, but he ultimately landed on the Chargers' practice squad.
After Tyrone Tracy Jr. was sent to the injured reserve, the Giants signed Desrosiers Jr. as an emergency third option. Now, he's set to take on significant touches in one of the most important games of the season.
To be clear, Singletary will still be the primary back on Sunday. He'll be the starter and play most of the snaps, especially in clear passing situations. "Motor" has already seen a resurgence in recent weeks and capped off a strong showing with a walk-off touchdown against the Texans.
But the G-Men have deployed a running back committee throughout the season. With nowhere else to turn, they'll have to give Desrosiers Jr. some important carries against the Eagles.
Greg Desrosiers Jr. brings a new flavor to Giants' running game
The undrafted rookie may be technically replacing Skattebo in this game, but the two backs are dramatically different in terms of play style. Skattebo seeks out contact, looking to lower his shoulder into defenders whenever he can. Desrosiers Jr., a former kick-return ace at Memphis, relies more on his explosiveness.
In that way, he fits the Tracy Jr. mold. New York's running back room lost some of its big-play ability with Tracy Jr. out, and Desrosiers Jr. could bring some of it back.
Desrosiers Jr. is certainly ready for the opportunity. Per the New York Post, the rookie said, "Hopefully I can come in and make plays and show my explosiveness and give them a reason to keep me here and show ’em why they chose me. I promise this: I’m gonna make it count, I’m gonna make the plays if that does happen."
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