New York’s late-season evaluation process continues to take center stage as the franchise transitions into a new direction, and this week’s matchup against Washington presents another crucial data point for a roster now navigating the post–Brian Daboll era under interim leadership.
With both clubs eliminated from the playoff picture, for the Giants, Sunday is about identifying foundational pieces for 2026 and determining which players can become pillars of a rebuilt identity.
For New York, one of those critical evaluations centers on the run game, where Tyrone Tracy stands out as a key figure whose usage and impact will go a long way toward determining whether the offense can secure meaningful traction against a Commanders defense that has been unable to stop anyone all of 2025.
A second-year back out of Purdue, Tracy remains one of the more intriguing young skill players on the roster. At 210 pounds, he blends slashing acceleration with finishing power, and his rookie-year production -- 839 rushing yards and five touchdowns -- underscored his ability to absorb a full workload when called upon.
And while Cam Skattebo seized the RB1 role earlier this season before injury, Tracy continued to provide functional, reliable carries as the complementary runner, and his recent performances (10 carries for 36 yards against New England and 20 for 62 at Detroit) reflected at least a steady baseline even when blocking surfaces in front of him were inconsistent.
However, this week presents about as good a matchup as you could ask for the Giants’ ground game.
With injuries ravaging the roster, Washington has struggled to set the edge all year, maintain run-fit integrity, and pursue effectively to the perimeter. Their defense has repeatedly been stressed when offenses force linebackers and safeties to scrape laterally, and tackling outside the hashes has been one of the unit’s most persistent deficiencies. And that profile aligns directly with Tracy’s strengths.
His one-cut acceleration, ability to press the line before bouncing wide, and comfort operating in space make him the type of runner who can repeatedly threaten the fringes of the defensive front, and with aging veterans present that simply don't come off the field for Washington, it could set up Tracy for a big day.
If New York commits to stretching Washington horizontally -- attacking outside the tackles, forcing defenders to run, and testing their athleticism and range, the ground game can control the tempo and create manageable offensive flow for Kafka’s group. That approach begins with Tracy, whose skillset positions him as one of the most important offensive players on the field for New York in Week 15, and a player the front office will keep a keen eye on as evaluations kick into high gear.