Eric Gray rushes for two touchdowns in Giants' preseason opener
Giants running back Eric Gray reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: AP/Pamela Smith
As Eric Gray's status as the No. 2 running back in Giants' camp showed early signs of faltering, he took the team's first preseason game as an opportunity to prove himself.
Gray, 24, a 2023 fifth-round pick, ran for 52 yards and two touchdowns on four carries in a 14-3 win over the Lions Thursday night at a rainy MetLife Stadium.
“I just wanted to put my best foot forward,” Gray said. “I’m a second-year player in the system, so I’m just being comfortable and being myself.”
Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy — who started the game — had been the next-man-up at camp this week, earning many of the second-string reps at practice. The fifth-round pick ran for 26 yards on five carries in the first quarter Thursday.
When Gray got his turn in the second, however, he doubled those numbers.
“That boy has been in the lab working,” said quarterback Tommy DeVito, who handed off to Gray for both of his touchdowns. “He just has that ability and he’s done such a great job. He had a tremendous game and I’m looking forward to seeing him roll more.”
With Saquon Barkley gone, veteran Devin Singletary will take over the lead role in the backfield. And, with another month until the regular-season kickoff, the fight for the No. 2 spot is far from over.
Singletary has offered not only competition on the field, but also a wealth of experience.
“Devin has done a great job,” Gray said. “He’s going on his sixth year in the league, so he knows a lot about the game itself. Being the older guy in the room, he can teach you a little something.”
Last season, Gray saw action in 13 games and ran for 48 yards on 17 carries. So far this preseason, he said his comfort and confidence on the field has grown exponentially. Coach Brian Daboll agrees.
“He’s a guy who does the right thing on and off the field,” Daboll said. “Gray has gotten stronger as camp went on.”
With two more preseason matchups on the schedule, Gray’s job is not done yet. He said he plans to continue playing with confidence, focusing on the fundamentals and enjoying the game he's been playing since he was four years old.
“It’s just football at the end of the day,” Gray said. “I was just showing who Eric Gray really is.”
