- Eric Gray
- #20
- Team NYG
- Pos RB
- Status AActive
-
Shows little progress in Year 2
Gray rushed 14 times for 31 yards and caught 10 of 11 targets for 82 yards in 17 regular-season games during the 2024 campaign. He also tallied 554 kick-return yards on 21 opportunities while losing two fumbles.
Analysis: Gray played in all 17 games and logged 41 more defensive snaps in 2024 compared to his rookie 2023 campaign, but he got three fewer carries and tallied 17 fewer rushing yards. His 2.2 YPC gave New York little reason to use him as a ball carrier, though Gray did improve mildly on his numbers as a pass catcher. The Oklahoma product's biggest role was as a kick returner, but his ball-security issues led the Giants to turn to Ihmir Smith-Marsette as their lead kick returner late in the campaign.…read more
Published: Tue, Jan 14 at 9:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Works far behind Tracy again Week 6
Gray gained 13 yards on three carries in a loss to the Bengals on Sunday.
Analysis: Devin Singletary was inactive for the second straight week due to a groin injury, but that didn't result in more work for Gray. In fact, the second-year back played half as many offensive snaps (13) as he did last week against Seattle and got four fewer touches. Meanwhile, rookie Tyrone Tracy continued to impress with 107 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown while logging a workhorse-like 84 percent of New York's offensive snaps. Gray's modest 13 rushing yards more than doubled his…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 14 at 11:37am by Rotowire.com
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Runs behind Tracy after fumble
Gray rushed four times for four yards, caught three of four targets for 50 yards and lost a fumble in Sunday's 29-20 win over the Seahawks.
Analysis: Gray made consecutive catches of 18 and 19 yards on the Giants' first drive, which earned him the first crack at goal-line carries in the absence of Devin Singletary (groin). Gray fumbled away that opportunity, losing the ball just outside the goal line for a fumble that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown the other way. The Giants leaned heavily on Tyrone Tracy (18 carries for 129 yards) the rest of the way. Gray is clearly behind both Singletary and Tracy on the depth chart heading into…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 6 at 5:05pm by Rotowire.com
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Minimal workload in Week 4
Gray rushed one time for one yard in Thursday's 20-15 loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: Gray once again saw the majority of his workload come as a kick returner, producing 54 yards on two returns. He played just five out of the team's 69 offensive snaps, operating as the clear No. 3 option at running back behind Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy. Through four games in 2024, Gray has compiled seven yards on four carries while playing 15 total offensive snaps.
Published: Fri, Sep 27 at 5:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Touches ball only as returner
Gray didn't log any rushes or targets in Sunday's Week 2 loss to Washington, and he returned five kickoffs for 128 yards.
Analysis: Though he did fine as a kick returner, Gray made no fantasy impact in most formats since he didn't touch the ball on offense. Meanwhile, rookie Tyrone Tracy got just one offensive touch (a two-yard rush) while veteran tailback Devin Singletary dominated the backfield work with 16 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown along with one reception for no yards. Through two weeks, it seems apparent that Singletary will take on a workhorse role for New York, with Tracy and Gray getting limited scraps…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 15 at 4:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets limited looks in season opener
Gray rushed twice for six yards and caught his only target for nine yards in a 28-6 Week 1 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. He added a 22-yard kickoff return.
Analysis: With Saquon Barkley off to Philadelphia, there was reason to believe that Gray could see a bigger share of the backfield workload in his second NFL campaign. That didn't come to pass against the Vikings, as Devin Singletary dominated New York's rushing attack with 14 touches and 50 snaps, while both Gray (seven snaps) and fellow backup tailback Tyrone Tracy (15 snaps) got three touches apiece. The Giants falling behind early and trailing 28-6 by the end of the third quarter probably impacted…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 8:32am by Rotowire.com
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Solid in second preseason game
Gray rushed three times for 18 yards and added five receptions on six targets for 22 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Houston.
Analysis: After shining with 98 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in New York's first exhibition game, Gray took a back seat Saturday while 2024 starting tailback Devin Singletary got his first preseason action. Despite the reduced workload, Gray did nothing to diminish his chance of earning the backup RB role, with his most impressive play being a 13-yard carry in the third quarter. Tyrone Tracy (ankle) missed the game, but his injury isn't expected to be a long-term one, and he could return for…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 17 at 8:43pm by Rotowire.com
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Racks up 98 yards, two TDs
Gray rushed four times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while catching all four of his targets for 46 yards in Thursday's 14-3 preseason win over the Lions.
Analysis: Gray has reportedly been running slightly behind rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy (five carries for 26 yards) in the battle for the top backup role behind Devin Singletary, but Thursday's performance could help Gray flip the script. The second-year pro's top highlight was a 48-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, on which Gray wrong-footed a Detroit defender with a nice cut in the open field. He added a one-yard rushing TD later in the first half and also showcased his playmaking…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 8 at 8:14pm by Rotowire.com
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May be behind rookie on depth chart
Tyrone Tracy is leading the training-camp battle to be the Giants' No. 2 running back behind Devin Singletary, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, which would push Gray to third on the depth chart.
Analysis: Roles are far from set in stone at this point in camp, especially among a Giants running-back corps that will have an entirely different look without the presence of Saquon Barkley. Singletary was brought in during the offseason to take over the lead-back role, but he may not be used as a workhorse to the same extent that Barkley was and hasn't yet demonstrated Barkley's pass-catching acumen. As such, the team's No. 2 back could get considerably more opportunities this season than Matt Breida…read more
Published: Tue, Aug 6 at 10:06am by Rotowire.com
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Looking good for RB2 job
Gray is in good position to handle a bigger role in his second NFL season, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
Analysis: New lead back Devin Singletary is unlikely to dominate backfield snaps the way Saquon Barkley did last season, leaving more work on the table for Gray and other backups. A 2023 fifth-round pick, Gray played in 13 games as a rookie, taking 23 touches for 70 yards on 65 snaps. Competition for backup roles behind Singletary doesn't appear especially fierce in New York, with Gray joined by fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy, veteran journeyman Deon Jackson, fourth-year pro Gary Brightwell and a couple…read more
Published: Fri, May 3 at 7:48am by Rotowire.com
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Gets increased workload in Week 18
Gray rushed three times for 19 yards and hauled in his only target for nine yards in Sunday's 27-10 win against the Eagles.
Analysis: Though the Giants had nothing to play for in the contest, they nonetheless gave Saquon Barkley a near typical workload, as the workhorse back logged 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps and notched 20 touches. However, for the second straight week, it was Gray rather than veteran Matt Breida who picked up the scraps behind Barkley, with the rookie logging his second-most rush attempts and yards of the campaign. The late-season uptick in opportunity was likely a result of the Giants wanting…read more
Published: Mon, Jan 8 at 8:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets first carry since Week 6
Gray rushed once for two yards and brought in his only target for six yards in Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Rams.
Analysis: As usual, Saquon Barkley dominated work out of the backfield for New York, totaling 58 all-purpose yards on 15 touches. However, for the first time this season, veteran back Matt Breida didn't get a single touch, with the sparse leftovers behind Barkley going to Gray. That didn't lead to much production for the rookie, but it could be a precursor to Week 18, as the Giants have little to play for -- aside, perhaps, from a higher draft pick -- and could opt to give Gray a longer look against the…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 6:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets first carry since Week 6
Gray rushed once for two yards and brought in his only target for six yards in Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Rams.
Analysis: As usual, Saquon Barkley dominated work out of the backfield for New York, totaling 58 yards from scrimmage on 15 touches. However, for the first time this season, veteran back Matt Breida didn't get a single touch, with the sparse leftovers behind Barkley going to Gray. That didn't lead to much production for the rookie, but it could be a precursor to Week 18, as the Giants have little to play for -- aside, perhaps, from a higher draft pick -- and could opt to give Gray a longer look against…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 6:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Barely plays Monday
Gray played one of the Giants' 56 snaps on offense in Monday's 24-22 win over the Packers.
Analysis: Since being reinstated from injured reserve Nov. 25 after missing four games with a calf issue, Gray has suited up for the Giants' subsequent two contests, but he's logged just three snaps on offense. He'll likely struggle to find playing time at running back while both Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida are healthy.
Published: Wed, Dec 13 at 8:41am by Rotowire.com
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Ready for return
Gray (calf) is active Sunday against the Patriots, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
Analysis: Gray was able to log back-to-back full practices after being designated to return from IR on Wednesday and he was added to the 53-man roster Saturday. The rookie running back should operate as the team's No. 3 option at the position, behind starter Saquon Barkley and backup Matt Breida.
Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 8:50am by Rotowire.com
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Returns from IR
The Giants activated Gray (calf) from injured reserve Saturday, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Gray was designated to return from IR on Wednesday and was able to log two consecutive full practice sessions to end the week. He's considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, and Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Gray is not expected to resume punt or kick return duties if he does suit up.
Published: Sat, Nov 25 at 2:26pm by Rotowire.com
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Questionable for Sunday
Gray (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: Gray has missed the Giants' last four games with a calf issue, but he was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, and he has a chance to return in Week 12. The rookie running back out of Oklahoma would need to be activated to New York's active roster in order to suit up Sunday.
Published: Fri, Nov 24 at 2:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Returning to practice
The Giants will designate Gray (calf) for return from their injured reserve list Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
Analysis: The transaction will open a 21-day window during which the Giants can officially activate Gray before they'd have to shut him down for the rest of the year. Their injury reports this week will give an indication of whether he could suit up for Week 12.
Published: Wed, Nov 22 at 11:57am by Rotowire.com
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Lands on IR
The Giants placed Gray (calf) on injured reserve Tuesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
Analysis: In a corresponding move, the Giants signed Jashaun Corbin from the Panthers' practice squad. Gray sustained the calf injury Sunday against the Commanders and will be forced to miss at least the next four games. He's eligible to return against the Patriots on Nov. 26.
Published: Tue, Oct 24 at 3:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Questionable to return
Gray is considered questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Commanders due to a calf injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.
Analysis: Gray failed to record any stats and muffed a punt prior to exiting the game. If he is unable to return, Gary Brightwell would be the No. 3 option in the backfield behind Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida, while also the top option to return kicks.
Published: Sun, Oct 22 at 10:39am by Rotowire.com
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Carries once in Barkley's return
Gray played one snap on offense and gained two yards on his lone carry in Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: After gaining 26 yards on 13 touches (12 carries, one reception) in the Giants' loss to the Dolphins in Week 5, Gray unsurprisingly saw his playing time take a drastic hit while New York welcomed lead back Saquon Barkley (ankle) back from a three-game absence. The Giants didn't attempt to ease Barkley back in, as he took on a 79 percent snap share and 28 touches. With Barkley seemingly having come out of Sunday's game without any setbacks, he should serve as the Giants' bell cow moving forward,…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 18 at 9:15am by Rotowire.com
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Gets first touches of NFL career
Gray rushed 12 times for 25 yards, caught his only target for one yard and returned a kickoff for 20 yards in Sunday's Week 5 loss to Miami.
Analysis: Gray was busy Sunday, though he was far from efficient. Coming into the contest, all of his NFL action had been on special teams, but the rookie saw a prominent role on offense against the Dolphins and led New York in carries, logging three more than starter Matt Breida. Neither ball carrier was able to make much of an impact, though -- Breida gained 21 yards on his nine totes. The Giants' offensive line has struggled mightily this season, and the result has been a 1-4 start behind the league's…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 9 at 12:10am by Rotowire.com
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Will retain punt return duties
Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that Gray will resume working as the team's primary punt returner in Week 5 against Miami, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: After Gray muffed a punt in the first quarter of Monday's loss to Seattle, New York turned to veteran cornerback Adoree' Jackson to work as the returner the rest of the way. Keeping Jackson in that role was likely off the table as a long-term solution given that he sprained his MCL while returning a punt last season and subsequently sat out seven games, and Daboll confirmed Wednesday that Gray won't be permanently demoted. The rookie running back has worked exclusively on special teams so far…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 4 at 1:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Could have role in Week 3
Gray could pick up his first snaps on offense during Thursday's game in San Francisco with top running back Saquon Barkley dealing with a right ankle sprain that is expected to keep him sidelined at least through Week 3, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: The 2023 fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma has dressed for both of the Giants' first two games, but all 20 of his snaps have come on special teams while he's served as New York's punt returner in addition to holding a role on the coverage units. Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell have both taken snaps at running back ahead of Gray when Barkley has been off the field and are presumably first in line for work Thursday, but the rookie's shiftiness in the open field could at least prompt the Giants to…read more
Published: Tue, Sep 19 at 8:50am by Rotowire.com
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Listed as No. 1 kick, punt returner
Gray is listed as both the primary punt returner and primary kickoff returner on the Giants' unofficial depth chart for Week 1.
Analysis: It is a slight surprise that Gray is listed as New York's lead kickoff returner ahead of Gary Brightwell, who served in the role last season. However, Brightwell is dealing with an undisclosed injury that has impacted his practice schedule for the past several weeks, so the Week 1 depth chart may be a reflection of the fact that he isn't fully healthy. Gray was already assumed to be taking over punt-return duties from Richie James, who is now with the Chiefs. The rookie running back is also…read more
Published: Wed, Sep 6 at 10:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Totals 59 yards Saturday
Gray rushed seven times for 11 yards and caught all four of his targets for 48 yards in Saturday's preseason finale against the Jets.
Analysis: Gray's struggles as a rusher continued this preseason, with him contributing more as a receiver while also handling kick returns. The fifth-round pick was the third back to enter Saturday's contest behind Jashaun Corbin and James Robinson (Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida did not play). Based on his usage this preseason, Gray will have to make the Giants' roster as a contributor on special teams this year.
Published: Sat, Aug 26 at 7:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Bottled up in debut
Gray rushed five times for nine yards and caught two of three targets for 10 yards in Friday's 21-16 preseason loss to the Lions. He also returned three kickoffs for 62 yards and two punts for eight yards.
Analysis: Gray didn't see the field until after veterans Matt Breida and James Robinson, suggesting he still has ground to make up in the competition to claim the backup spot behind Saquon Barkley. The Giants clearly want to see what the rookie fifth-round pick can do in the return game, and Gray fared fine in that regard Friday. After a modest performance on offense in his NFL debut, Gray will look to put forth better numbers in the team's next preseason game against the Panthers.
Published: Fri, Aug 11 at 9:02pm by Rotowire.com
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In mix for punt return duties
Gray fielded punts in practice Thursday and is a candidate to take on that role for the Giants this season, Ryan Novozinksy of NJ Advance Media reports.
Analysis: Gray wasn't a prominent return man in college -- he tallied just nine punt returns and four kickoff returns in his four-year tenure, including none of either type in his senior season -- but he's a logical candidate to see work in that regard for the Giants given his lateral quickness. Running back Gary Brightwell worked as New York's primary kickoff returner last season, while Richie James served as the team's top punt returner for much of the campaign. James is now in Kansas City, and the…read more
Published: Fri, Aug 4 at 12:20am by Rotowire.com
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