When you think about it, the New York Giants boast one of the most under-appreciated running backs in the NFL. And no, I'm not talking about our favorite headbanger in Cam Skattebo, I'm referring to the man who's been a constant in this backfield across the last two years--his backup, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tracy Jr. became the first Giants' running back since Saquon Barkley to surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of his first two seasons--but he doesn't even come close to getting the love he deserves. In fact, the calls for New York to replace him have gotten way too loud for my liking.
When Skatt went down for the season, the running back room was in dire straits, but the 26-year-old returned from his own injury to keep the ground game afloat. Tracy is far from the flashiest running back, and certainly isn't elite by any standards, but is far more important than we might realize.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is one of the NFL's most underrated running backs
However, that hasn't stopped the disrespect from coming. When Bleacher Report ranked the top 70 running backs in the NFL entering the 2026 season, they had Tracy come in at 44th overall--just one spot ahead of his teammate Devin Singletary--where he was firmly placed in the "replacement level" tier alongside 22 other rotational running backs.
Given we know that a Skattebo injury is likely since his brain is total mush, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Big Blue may be forced to turn to Tracy Jr. once again in 2026. Hopefully Skatt stays healthy and we get the true RB tandem we were planned, but if not, at least we have the 'Rone Show.
The Purdue product has become something of a security blanket for when the play breaks down--and that matters considering the Giants' receiver room isn't all that great. This team needs all the pass-catching options they can get, and it just so happens one of their best is out of the backfield.
Because he splits work with (or plays behind) a fan favorite and one of the league's more entertaining backs, I think we forget just how effective the 2024 fifth-round pick can be. Since he's a converted WR, he has good speed and has proven to be a solid option as both a runner and in the pass game.
Even with Cam Skattebo as the lead back, expect Tyrone Tracy Jr. to be a key piece of this Giants' offense and prove this assessment wrong--even if another 1,000-yard scrimmage season isn't in the cards in Year 3.
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