Advertisement

Fantasy Football: New York Giants turning to RB Paul Perkins?

By Alex Butler
New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo stands on the sidelines in the 4th quarter against the New Orleans Saints in week 2 of the NFL at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 18, 2016. The Giants defeated the Saints 16-13. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo stands on the sidelines in the 4th quarter against the New Orleans Saints in week 2 of the NFL at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 18, 2016. The Giants defeated the Saints 16-13. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- As the stockpile of running backs begins to shrink, new talents are starting to be trusted on offenses around the league.

That could be the case for the New York Giants, after injuries to Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen. Jennings is dealing with a thumb injury and Vereen is reportedly out for the year with a triceps injury.

Advertisement

Giants coach Ben McAadoo now says fifth rounder Paul Perkins is "ready to step up," according to the New York Post. Perkins has yet to log an NFL rushing attempt. McAdoo also said Vereen will be replaced by a committee. Vereen started this season averaging a respectable 4.7 yards per carry before the injury. He started in place of an inactive Jennings in the Giants' Week 3 loss against the Washington Redskins.

Because of the implications of injuries, Perkins, who was once viewed as a long shot to contribute this season, will get his opportunity.

"Perkins' ball security issues in the preseason won't give the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season," NJ.com reported this preseason.

"The good news is that the Giants aren't relying on Perkins," NJ.com reported before the season.

On Monday, NFL Network National reporter Mike Garafolo noted that Vereen could return this season if the Giants designate him as its I.R./return player.

NFL Network National Insider Ian Rapoport said Monday that there is "optimism" Jennings returns to the Giants for its Week 4 Monday Night Football contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Perkins rushed for 3,488 yards and 29 touchdowns on 621 carries at UCLA.

Advertisement

I see Perkins as a lower-tier waiver wire addition for your fantasy team. When Jennings is healthy, he is at best a spot-start RB2 against favorable opponents.

Latest Headlines