A potential addition might be on its way to East Rutherford in the coming weeks. Third-year running back Eric Gray will be designated to return from the reserve/PUP list, the New York Giants announced on Wednesday:
Mike Kafka said RB Eric Gray’s window is being opened today. QB Jaxson Dart will be a non-contact participant at practice today.
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 19, 2025
Gray has missed all of 2025 recovering from a torn meniscus suffered earlier in the offseason. Interim head coach Mike Kafka told the media that his 21-day window was being opened, which really just means he has three weeks to start practicing with the team before counting towards the active 53-man roster.
If he's unable to be activated in the 21-day window, he will be forced to finish the season on IR. So, as of Wednesday, the clock is ticking on the long-lost 172nd pick.
Gray’s return likely won’t change much in the grand scheme of things, but it does give the Giants a little extra depth. Since rookie running back Cam Skattebo went down with a season-ending injury in Week 8, Big Blue has been rolling with just two backs -- Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. While adding Gray back into the mix makes sense from a numbers standpoint, it still leaves fans with a few questions.
Eric Gray gives Giants' backfield some much-needed support
Since being taken in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma back hasn’t made much of an impact. He’s appeared in 30 games -- mostly on special teams -- logging 31 carries for 79 yards with no touchdowns, along with 16 catches for 104 yards through the air.
Those numbers aren't anything to write home about, but his six fumbles are the real issue. He just can't hold onto the football.
Through two seasons, it’s clear Gray’s role is still in a bit of a... gray area. Naturally, it leaves Giants fans wondering why Big Blue didn’t call up Dante ‘Turbo’ Miller from the practice squad after Skattebo’s injury -- and why they seem so locked in on Gray as the only RB3 option. It’s definitely a peculiar choice.
For those assuming it has something to do with prioritizing age during a lost season, think again. Gray and Turbo are both 26. This does, however, reek of general manager Joe Schoen and his fragile ego not being able to call it quits on one of his draft picks. It’s becoming a common occurrence.
Just this past offseason, it looked like his time in Giants blue was coming to an end. Since drafting the former Sooner, NY has drafted two running backs and signed another in free agency. That doesn’t exactly scream confidence.
It'll be interesting to see what -- if any -- role Gray can provide Big Blue moving forward. Regardless, he’s got 21 days to figure that out and give the G‑Men some much‑needed depth.