Giants running backs Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. seek strong finish

There still are things to accomplish, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. explained.

For one running back, it is another chance to play, to showcase a lifetime of work. For the other, it is an opportunity to get closer to one of the sport’s benchmark statistical plateaus.

Even in what has been a lost season in East Rutherford, there are tasks awaiting the two Giants.

“Trying to put my best stuff on tape” was Singletary’s response to Newsday on Friday after being asked what his goals are for the final two games of the season. “Running the ball, catching the ball, pass protection, whatever it may be. With that, get a win.”

About that:

You may have heard that the Giants (2-13) enter Sunday’s regular-season home finale against the Colts 0-8 at MetLife Stadium. The possibility exists that they will finish their centennial season with the first overall pick in April’s NFL Draft along with a new general manager and coaching staff.

“I ain’t seen this season go this way at all,” Singletary said. “But that’s where we are at right now. So just trying to finish strong in these last two games.”

No, it has not been an especially joyous 2024 season at 1925 Giants Drive. But for Singletary, 27, it has been one of self-growth.

Singletary, who was signed to a three-year, $16.5 million contract to be the cost-efficient replacement for Saquon Barkley, began the season as the Giants’ starting running back.

However, he lost his job to Tracy because of a groin injury that cost him two games earlier this season. The rookie performed well in his place.

“Adversity hit,” said Singletary, who has 394 yards on 101 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and four touchdowns this season. “How are you going to respond? That shows the true character of a man.”

Singletary’s response was to mentor the man who took his job.

Tracy, who is 279 yards away from 1,000 for the season, replaced Singletary as the starting running back for the Giants’ 29-20 win in Seattle on Oct. 6. All he did in that game was rush for 129 yards on 18 carries in the Giants’ most recent victory of the season.

One week later, the fifth-round pick out of Purdue accounted for the Giants’ only touchdown in their nationally televised 17-7 loss to the Bengals.

“I put in the work,” Tracy said. “I’m doing the right things and getting everything done the right way and knowing it’s paying off the right way, it’s a confidence-booster for me.”

It helps that he has a sounding board sitting directly to his left in Singletary.

“He taught me a lot,” Tracy said. “He’s been a great mentor. He’s been a great addition to my career and my rookie season. And I can’t thank him enough.”

Both are likely to play against the Colts (7-8). Singletary said he is preparing normally; Tracy (ankle) said he will be a game-time decision.

Those are the positives.

The negative is that the twosome will find themselves standing behind a makeshift offensive line for the fifth straight game and the ninth time overall this season.

Brian Daboll said starting center John Michael Schmitz Jr. will not play because of a lingering ankle injury. Guard Greg Van Roten will shift to center for the game.

Notes & quotes: Cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. (shoulder and shin), safety Raheem Layne (knee) and middle linebacker Micah McFadden (neck) did not practice and are out for Sunday. Malik Nabers (toe) is listed as questionable.