New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman is confident for his upcoming opportunity as the team’s temporary starter.
Sunday will mark the first game the New York Giants will undergo without running back Saquon Barkley since they drafted him. The second-year pro has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and will reportedly be out between four and eight weeks. Barkley suffered the injury prior to halftime of the team’s 32-31 win in Tampa Bay this past Sunday.
Barkley absence thus means third-year pro Wayne Gallman will take the reins as the team’s starting running back. The Clemson product has been a backup for this organization since he was drafted in the fourth round (No. 140 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the 24-year-old is looking forward to Sunday and beyond.
“I view it as a big opportunity,” Gallman said, per Scott Thompson of SNY. “It’s unfortunate for my brother to go out, but this is what I prepared for. This is what I have been preparing for so I’m ready for it.”
Gallman carried the ball five times for 13 yards during the Giants’ win against the Bucs. On the year, he’s had seven carries for 30 yards and a touchdown. He’s also caught three balls on five targets for 24 yards.
The Giants offense could be a whole lot different without Barkley and with their new rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. The first-round pick had four total touchdowns in his first career start on Sunday. With Barkley out, this offense could include more of an air raid-type game plan instead of a run first-type approach.
Fans will find out how it’ll fare on Sunday when New York takes on the Washington Redskins at 1:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
