New York Giants: What To Expect From The Backup Running Backs?

The New York Giants are a struggling and rebuilding team that lacks star talent. Except for the running back position. The Giants have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Saquon Barkley. Some may argue that he is the best running back in the NFL. But last season, Barkley was injured and sidelined for three games.

The Giants struggled to run the ball without Barkley in the lineup. They even struggled to run the ball upon his return to the lineup. Barkley returned extraordinarily fast from his high ankle sprain and played through the “nagging” ankle injury the rest of the season.

If Saquon Barkley were to go down again, are the Giants prepared? Even if he is healthy, is there a competent backup running back on this roster to play in relief of a fatigued Saquon Barkley?

Be sure to check out this video below for a better understanding of why Saquon Barkley struggled in 2019:

Dion Lewis

This offseason, the Giants signed former Patriots and Titans running back Dion Lewis as a backup running back. Dion Lewis had his best season in 2017 with the Patriots, rushing for 896 yards and receiving for 214 yards to go along with 9 total touchdowns. Lewis has been a reliable receiver out of the backfield throughout his career and was a fine complement to Derrick Henry’s hard-nosed running style in Tennessee.

Lewis is the oldest running back on the roster and likely the best in pass protection. Barkley has struggled in that department through his first two professional seasons. Dion Lewis could help improve the Giants’ pass protection in 2020.

Javon Leake

Undrafted free agent running back Javon Leake is a sleeper signing to keep an eye on this season. Leake was a fast and exciting player at Maryland. He made an impact in limited touches as both a running back and a kick returner. Javon Leake only received 155 touches in his collegiate career but he always made the most of them. Leake averaged 7.2 yards per carry in his final season at Maryland, rushing for 736 and 8 touchdowns on 102 attempts.

Javon never made an impact as a receiver, though, so his value on offense might be limited. But he does make up for that by providing the Giants with crucial special teams value. Leake returned 30 kicks in 2019, totaling 804 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wayne Gallman

The Giants once believed to have a promising future with running back Wayne Gallman. Gallman looked prepared to step into a starting role before the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley. Many expected Gallman to be an excellent backup for Saquon, but so far, Wayne has not lived up to the hype.

Towards the end of the 2019 season, Gallman was relegated to the third-string. Javorius “Buck” Allen became Barkley’s backup running back by the end of the year and Gallman was even a healthy scratch for some contests. This could put Gallman’s roster spot in jeopardy heading into the 2020 season.