Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. Returns to New and Familiar Territory
What's old is new again for the New York Giants
The Giants will return to familiar territory in the post-Cam Skattebo era, as Tyrone Tracy Jr. will reprise his role as top rusher now that the touted rookie is out for the season after enduring a devastating ankle injury in Philadelphia last weekend.
Back in the top depth chart slot is Tracy, who began the year in that role before giving way to the fan-favorite freshman Skattebo.
"This year, every week, whether I was RB1 or not, I approached it that way. I approached it as if I was the starting running back," Tracy said upon his medically-induced promotion.
"You never know how a game is going to go. You never know the variables throughout the game or who's going to get the hot hand or whatever. That's why I went about it that way.
"I'm just programmed and it's in my DNA just to go about it that way as well," Tracy continued.
"That's the biggest change right now. I'm really just going to every game as if I'm RB1. This week is nothing different."
Tracy's first test in his return to the top duties lands on Sunday afternoon when the Giants welcome the San Francisco 49ers (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Tracy’s workload was reduced amidst Skattebo's ascension. The second-year player picked up only 74 yards on 26 carries in the first three games, this after a rookie campaign in which he put up 1,184 yards from scrimmage in his first metropolitan tours.
Even with Skattebo in the lineup, though, Tracy showed he’s still a viable option. He earned 85 yards on 19 carries in the last two weeks while entering the end zone during the recent defeat in Denver.
While Tracy is used to the rigors that the top running back spot has to offer, there's a little more pressure to perform this time around. Skattebo's entry helped generate some long-sought offensive momentum and gave the Giants a purpose in another woebegone campaign.
He also has to replace Skattebo, who quickly won over New Yorkers with his multi-faceted sense of reckless abandon in the backfield.
Tracy can make an impact both through the air and on the ground, drawing on his own tenacity as a 5-foot-10, 210-pound back and Day 3 pick looking to secure NFL longevity.
He's not looking to imitate Skattebo, but instead to bring the firm aggressiveness that helped him make his own freshman statement.
"I'm not going to try to be anyone else but Tyrone Tracy Jr.," Tracy declared. "That's because that's all I can be on the football field, and I think that God has blessed me enough to go out there and just be myself.
"I'm not going to try to really bring any extra energy, I'm just going to go out there and do what I can to put my team in the best situation possible, whether it's running, catching the ball in the backfield, or blocking, or really just being a cheerleader on the sideline when the defense is up or whatever. Whatever I’ve got to do to put my team in a great situation, I'm going to do that."
Cubs Urged to Trade for, Pay Orioles All-Star After Kyle Tucker Leaves
The Chicago Cubs could have a busy offseason ahead. Kyle Tucker is hitting the open market, and if the Cubs lose him, they may need to make some moves to replace his production.
Tucker is expected to sign a lucrative contract that could reach north of $400 million in total value. If the Cubs are unwilling to go that high, the team could spend elsewhere. FanSided’s Chris Landers urged the Cubs to acquire and pay Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
“The Cubs have the luxury of being just about locked in at every position on the diamond - except, that is, for catcher, where Carson Kelly started off strong before disappearing down the stretch this season,” wrote Landers. “It’s a spot crying out for an upgrade this offseason, and while the free-agent market is thin on impact names (outside a declining JT Realmuto), the trade market features one heck of a buy-low opportunity in Rutschman.”
Tucker had an .841 OPS and 22 home runs in what was considered a down year. The Cubs will have to find a way to replace that production, and the catcher position could use an upgrade. Carson Kelly posted a .761 OPS and had a solid season. However, Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger.
He had a down year this year and dealt with injuries. Additionally, the Orioles gave catcher Samuel Basallo a contract extension. After committing to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo, Rutschman’s future may be in doubt. He did not have his best year, but he still has the potential to be an elite player. The Cubs could ink him to an extension while the price tag is low.
