New York Giants running backs Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are doing an excellent job at reminding us about the dangers of assuming things.
Initially, anyone paying attention to the Giants understandably believed that Tracy and Cam Skattebo would split carries, or there’d be at least a 60-40 share in Skattebo’s favor. Where that left Singletary remained unclear, even after he restructured his contract to play on the veteran minimum.
Then came last week’s preseason opener, where Singletary played only four snaps, though he turned a screen pass into a 40-yard gain. The greater story involving the running backs, though, was Tracy missing a key block, which resulted in quarterback Jaxson Dart getting knocked to the ground and sent to the blue medical tent.
Add in this week’s Najee Harris signing, and the only near-certainty about the Giants’ running game is that Skattebo will still play a major role. But perhaps we were too quick in writing off Singletary ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Dolphins.
Could Devin Singletary still play a role for the 2026 New York Giants?
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan brought extra attention to Singletary on Friday, writing that the veteran running back “shouldn’t be counted out” and has been among Dart’s favorite targets in the passing game.
Such a role wouldn’t be entirely unfamiliar territory for Singletary. The Bills and Texans both regularly used him in their passing game, and he averaged 35 catches and 239 receiving yards through his first five seasons. No one will confuse him with Christian McCaffrey or Le’Veon Bell, of course, but “Motor” can hold his own as a receiving back.
But if the Giants believe that Singletary can contribute as a receiver, then why only give him four snaps last weekend? The lack of action had us wondering whether the team had all but waved the white flag on him, making the 53-man roster. Remember, Singletary had played for former Giants coach Brian Daboll in Buffalo, whereas both John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy are new to him.
Barring injury, Skattebo is guaranteed a spot in the Week 1 lineup. As for the rest of the Giants’ running back room?
The mounting concerns about Tracy have us hesitant to call him a lock, only because of the new coaching staff and how his failed block resulted in Dart being evaluated for a concussion. Harris is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, and Harbaugh has not said whether the former Steelers starter will play in the final preseason game next weekend.
Saturday night provides Singletary with an excellent opportunity to reaffirm that he deserves a spot not only on the 53-man roster, but in the overall running back rotation. It’d be fitting, too, given that he’s originally from South Florida and played both high school and college football less than an hour north of Hard Rock Stadium.
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