The New York Giants have reportedly worked out multiple running backs in the midst of Saquon Barkley’s ankle sprain recovery.
On Sunday, during the New York Giants‘ 32-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, star running back Saquon Barkley exited before halftime. Barkley didn’t return and was then diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. The 2018 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year will reportedly be sidelined for 4-8 weeks.
Now, the Giants have a few options. With Wayne Gallman most likely taking the reigns as the primary back for the time being, do they promote rookie Jon Hilliman from the practice squad? Do they work out free agent backs and ultimately sign one? Well, it seems they could be in the process of the latter, according to Field Yates of ESPN.
Following the injury to Saquon Barkley, the Giants worked out RBs Benny Cunningham, Fozzy Whitaker and Zach Zenner. Potential depth options to keep an eye on.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 24, 2019
Benny Cunningham originally went undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State in 2013. He spent four years with the Saint Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2013-16). Then, Cunningham spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears (2017-18) before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars this past offseason. Cunningham was cut in August.
Fozzy Whitaker last played for the Carolina Panthers from 2014-18. He spent all last year on the injured reserve list due to a torn ACL suffered in May of 2018.
Zach Zenner last spent time with the Detroit Lions from 2015-18. Through eight games (one start) last year, he carried the ball 55 times for 265 yards (4.8 yards-per-carry) and three touchdowns. Zenner additionally caught seven balls on 10 targets for 56 yards.
It’s unclear if either of these guys will be signed. However, the Giants will need to add depth to the running back position some way or another. The only backs on the active roster right now are Gallman and Elijhaa Penny.
