The New York Giants showcased their running back depth in a 23-6 preseason victory against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Friday. Several key players, including quarterback Jaxson Dart and veteran running back Devin Singletary, were held out of the final preseason game.
Najee Harris, who signed with the Giants on August 18, made his preseason debut. Harris, looking to rebound after an Achilles injury last season, carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards in the first half. On the second series, he gained 4 yards up the middle, followed by a 9-yard pitchout and another 9-yard run before the first quarter concluded. Harris, who recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Steelers, appeared in good condition.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. started at running back and had a strong performance until he went down after an 8-yard gain in the second quarter. Tracy was able to get to his feet and walked off the field under his own power before being escorted to the locker room. He cleared concussion protocol and returned to the sideline for the second half. Tracy finished with 4 carries for 37 yards, including a 16-yard run and a 6-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Head coach John Harbaugh opted to rest starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, who had played in the team's August 15 preseason opener against the Vikings. Dart will have nearly a full month between the preseason finale and the regular-season opener on September 13.
Jameis Winston started at quarterback for the Giants. His second pass was intercepted after a deflection, but the connection with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. later improved. Beckham Jr. had three receptions for 53 yards, including a 13-yard catch and a 23-yard gain down the middle of the field. He also dropped a potential 73-yard touchdown reception on a deep route where the pass was slightly wide.
Beckham Jr. was seen as a potential seventh wide receiver on the roster, but the season-ending knee injury to Calvin Austin III has likely opened up a spot for him. Harbaugh also ensured the three starting interior offensive linemen—rookie right guard Sisi Mauigoa, center John Michael Schmitz Jr., and left guard Jon Runyan—received snaps together in the game.