The New York Giants are expected to sign running back Devonta Freeman. The move comes soon after the news that Saquon Barkley will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL he suffered in the 17-13 loss to the Bears. Freeman will have to pass COVID-19 testing before the signing becomes official.
The Giants are looking for something to spark its struggling ground game. After the first two weeks of play, the team rank dead last in the NFL with just 52 rushing yards per game.
Freeman, 28, was a fourth round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014 out of Florida State. After becoming a regular starter in 2015, he rushed for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 73 passes for 578 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that season up with another impressive year in 2016, finishing with 1,079 yards and again rushing for 11 touchdowns. He caught 54 passes for 462 yards and two touchdowns.
After missing 14 games in 2018 due to injury, Freeman put together a solid all around year in 2019. He racked up 1,066 yards on the ground and in the pass game. He also had six combined touchdowns. In his career, he has a total of 3,972 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground, and has caught 257 passes for 2,015 yards and 11 touchdowns.
With Barkley placed on injured reserve, the Giants were in need of a replacement. Freeman will split carries with Dion Lewis, who only totaled 20 yards on 10 carries in the loss to Chicago. Wayne Gallman, who was a healthy scratch last week, could also see playing time.
(Photo: Rusty Costanza/Associated Press)
