After the New York Giants let superstar running back Saquon Barkley leave via free agency, they sought to replace him by bringing in veteran Devin Singletary, who was familiar with both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll from their time in Buffalo.
Singletary started each of the team’s first four games and had played admirably well, but suffered a groin injury during a Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
“Motor” would return after missing two games but his starting job was not there waiting for him. Instead, the Giants had inserted rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. as the lead back.
Despite some fumble issues, Singletary, who signed a three-year deal worth $16.5 million in the offseason, failed to wrangle the starting job back from Tracy.
“I’m surprised,” Singletary recently told the New York Post. “That’s just where we are right now.”
Singletary has rushed the ball just 33 times since his return, averaging just 4.7 carries per game. He believes a more even snap-share would work but admits that Daboll is the one who makes those decisions.
“It’s really tough. I don’t know any backs getting two or three carries going crazy,” he said. “[A two-back system] definitely can work. I don’t call the plays, I don’t make that decision.”
The diminished role doesn’t sit well with Singletary and it likely never will.
“This is the first year I feel this great in December,” he said. “That’s just what’s been going on this year. Not used to it, I don’t plan on getting used to it but that’s just where we’re at right now.”
Singletary is happy for Tracy and admits it’s been “fun” to watch him, but he’d also like to see the field and be given some opportunities. After all, that’s why he signed in the first place.
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