Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. returns to practice, but doubtful for Week 5 matchup with Saints
The Giantsdidn't believe that Tyrone Tracy Jr. needed a stint on injured reserve when he dislocated his shoulder in their Week 3 loss to the Chiefs. And that optimistic outlook is making much more sense now.
Despite missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Giants head coach Brian Daboll revealed on Friday morning that Tracy was expected back in pads, as the team wanted to see what he's able to do on the field. Daboll said that his second-year back is "feeling a lot better."
At that time, Tracy's status for Sunday's road matchup with the Saints was up in the air, as Daboll didn't rule him out. But the chances of Tracy suiting up in New Orleans are slim, as the Giants listed him as doubtful on Friday's injury report.
It's no surpise to see the Giants erring on the side of caution with Tracy -- he was initially expected to miss two-to-four games with the shoulder injury. But his activity on Friday could put him in line for a Week 6 return against the division-rival Eagles next Thursday.
Tracy hurt his shoulder on a first-quarter collision with Chiefs defenders on Sept. 21. He was the recipient of a 2nd-and-8 check-down pass from Russell Wilson near midfield, and after catching the ball, he ran for three yards and then took a big hit from cornerback Jaylen Watson.
While he stayed down on the Chiefs' sideline for a few moments after the tackle, Tracy ultimately got up under his own power. He walked across the field grimacing, with a trainer supporting his right arm. He finished the night with 29 rushing yards on seven carries and two catches for seven yards.
In Tracy's absence last Sunday, Cam Skattebo thrived as the featured back, rushing for 79 yards on 25 attempts in an upset home win over the then-undefeated Chargers. The rookie bulldog also tallied 121 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs.
If the team is without Tracy for a second straight game, veteran third-stringer Devin Singletary will once again see an uptick in snaps.