The New York Giants continue to make changes to their roster in an attempt to improve their team this season. The latest transaction they made was the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley. Running back is a position the Giants will likely be looking to fill after losing their Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.
Kelley was a backup running back for the Chargers and ran for 405 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. Austin Ekeler was the Chargers’ primary running back and also got opportunities as a pass receiver, so Kelley didn’t see much time on the field unless he was a backup or injuries occurred.
For the Giants, Kelley will most likely once again take on the role of reserve player and spend only limited time on the field.
The Giants want to build more depth at RB
After the injury of rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., the New York Giants looked to bolster their position with Joshua Kelley. Tracy’s injury was not considered serious and he will likely be back on the field soon, but it doesn’t hurt to have a veteran like Kelley on the team just in case.
Devin Singletary will most likely be the Giants’ starting running back when the season begins, and he already had a relationship with head coach Brian Daboll after spending three seasons with him as offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills. With Singletary’s experience on offense, that will give him an advantage as he is familiar with the scheme.
“Man, you can do anything,” Singletary said at camp. “You can catch the ball out of the backfield. Obviously, they’re going to pass the ball back to you. You have to be able to pass professionally, but for me, it’s fun to pass professionally. I miss playing defense, so for me, this is the way to get the feeling of being able to hit somebody. But that’s what makes it fun for a running back.”
Related newsArticle continues below
Kelley, on the other hand, will be battling with Dante Miller and Eric Gray for a final spot on the roster. If Kelley can show something in the next two preseason games, he has a good chance of making the roster.
The Giants offense is still young and searching for an identity. And it all starts with the play of Daniel Jones. The quarterback is coming off a season in which he tore his ACL, but he should be ready to play and lead the offense in Week 1. He will have a new dynamic receiver to throw to in Malik Nabers, who will most likely be the team’s first pick.
The offense becomes even more efficient when the running game opens up.
