EricGray

News: 5 days agoGray could pick up his first snaps on offense during Thursday's game in San Francisco with top running back Saquon Barkley dealing with a right ankle sprain that is expected to keep him sidelined at least through Week 3, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Spin: The 2023 fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma has dressed for both of the Giants' first two games, but all 20 of his snaps have come on special teams while he's served as New York's punt returner in addition to holding a role on the coverage units. Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell have both taken snaps at running back ahead of Gray when Barkley has been off the field and are presumably first in line for work Thursday, but the rookie's shiftiness in the open field could at least prompt the Giants to give him a look in a change-of-pace role this week. As Stapleton notes, however, Gray is viewed as a liability in pass protection at this stage of his career, which may hinder his chances of seeing a more extended opportunity even if Barkley is out longer than anticipated.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Gray was selected in the fifth round of April's draft. The Oklahoma product is quick and elusive with the size and skill set to help out on all three downs. Gray struggled with yards after contact (2.84) and tackle-breaking (his 15.1 rate was second worst in this RB rookie class) during his collegiate tenure, but his 6.5 evaded tackle rate was fourth best. He also ranked near the top of his class in all receiving categories (99-827-5 on 128 targets). Gray will battle the likes of Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell for No. 2 duties behind Saquon Barkley, so he's worth monitoring as a potential insurance back.