The New York Giants haven’t had much good news lately when it comes to the reserve/COVID-19 list. After offensive coordinator Jason Garrett’s positive test, the team saw potential All-Pro cornerback James Bradberry moved there leading to the upcoming game with the Browns. Bradberry will miss that game, but it’s easy to forget the fact that the Giants also received some positive news that day.
Running back Devonta Freeman, who hasn’t played since week seven, has been removed from the list and may still come back this season. However, that won’t be an immediate boost for the Browns game as Freeman is also on the injured reserve for now due to an ankle injury. It remains to be seen if he’ll make a comeback this season, but there’s two weeks left to do so once the Cleveland game is out of the way.
Freeman was signed by the team to replace Saquon Barkley this season after Barkley’s ACL tear took him out for the year. But the Giants have gotten better results running with other backs, including a recently surging Wayne Gallman who is having a career best year.
Even with the upward trend from Gallman, however, it doesn’t hurt to have another experienced running back around and ready to step in if needed.
Devonta Freeman also returns to practice for the #Giants, another RB to help down the stretch. https://t.co/jZKCeC2p1A
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2020
As for a possible return date, it doesn’t look like Freeman coming back for the last two games is out of the question. Freeman has already returned to practice, after all, and has already sat out for plenty of time to recover.
He has 172 yards on 3.2 yards per attempt this season, which marks the lowest average of his career. However, the Giants won’t be expecting Freeman to take a lead role in the running game, so Freeman’s presence as a supporting figure will likely be appreciated.