2020 Giants training camp preview: Running backs

The New York Giants will be led by Saquon Barkley in 2020, but what does the team have as far as running back depth behind him?

The New York Giants don’t have too many questions that need answering at the running back position, but there are some new faces and a few jobs on the line as we enter training camp here in 2020.

Saquon Barkley will be featured prominently in Jason Garrett’s offense, but what can we expect to see behind him?

Here’s a quick look at the Giants’ running back situation entering camp.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Saquon Barkley

After an incredible and record-breaking rookie season, Saquon Barkley was forced back down to earth in 2019 as the result of a high ankle sprain.

While Barkley still finished the year with more than 1,000 rushing yards, he was clearly a shell of his former self, only occasionally showing flashes of the elite talent we saw in 2018.

That has obviously provided some motivation for Barkley, who has been largely silent yet very visible this offseason.

Barkley has routinely posted workout videos in recent months, showing off his impressive physique and other-worldly athleticism. It’s clear he has set out to begin the season in the best shape of his life, likely in an attempt to curb any injury issues.

“I think Saquon is going to have a huge year for you guys this year. I was really happy watching the draft, I saw you guys picked up an offensive lineman and some guys, so that’s going to help your quarterback, that’s going to help Saquon and it’s going to help the whole team and the whole organization,” Penn State head coach James Franklin told Giants.com.

Barkley is likely to see a balanced workload in 2020, which should help keep him healthy and on the field for a full 16 games.

Giants roster outlook: Upgrades, downgrades or lateral moves on offense

Giants Wire examines the New York Giants offense and the changes made this offseason, offering a verdict on each unit.

The New York Giants are excited about their prospects on offense this season. There’s an interesting mixture of old and new faces converging within the unit.

The team used first-round draft picks on offensive players the last four years and have supplemented those players with other high round picks and select free agents.

Here’s a quick outlook of the Giants’ 2020 offense.

Elsa/Getty Images

Coaches

Gained: Joe Judge, Jason Garrett, Marc Colombo, others

Lost: Pat Shurmur, Mike Shula, Hal Hunter, others

Jason Garrett, a former Giants backup quarterback and head coach of the Dallas Cowboys the past 10 years, is the new offensive coordinator.

Garrett will bring a balance and some semblance of structure to the offensive game plan. He is a creative, aggressive play caller who has both the experience, temperament and talent to turn the Giants into a high-powered, respectable offensive team.

The staff is full of familiar faces: Marc Colombo (offensive line), Tyke Tolbert (wide receivers), Jerry Shuplinski (quarterbacks), Burton Burns (running backs) and Freddie Kitchens (tight ends) bring a legacy of success and experience to the Giants.

Verdict: Substantial upgrade

Giants sign FB George Aston to practice squad, attempted to claim LB Sharif Finch

The New York Giants have made a few practice squad moves and put in an unsuccessful waiver claim for LB Sharif Finch.

It doesn’t matter that it’s Christmas Eve, the business of the NFL must go on. It is Tuesday however, and that means they’ll be some player movement.

The New York Giants made a practice squad move on Tuesday, releasing punter Sean Smith and signing fullback George Aston.

Aston, an undrafted rookie out of Pitt, spent time on the Denver Broncos practice squad.

Earlier in the day it was reported the Giants put in an unsuccessful waiver claim for Tennessee Titans linebacker Sharif Finch, but he was awarded to the 1-14 Cincinnati Bengals.

Finch was born in Queens and played his college ball at Temple. He was signed as an undrafted free agent last year by the Titans.

[lawrence-related id=636462,636484,636468]