Akeem

Hunt

New York’s backfield is laughably thin right now with undrafted Rutgers alum Jonathan Hilliman currently serving as the lead back. Saquon Barkley (ankle) is trending toward a Week 7 return, so Hunt would merely be a depth signing for the injury-ravaged Giants. Hunt, who went to training camp with the Titans this summer, hasn’t played an NFL down since 2017. He has history with the Giants, who signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2015.

He became expendable when the Texans signed bellcow Lamar Miller this offseason. The emergence of rookie Tyler Ervin also didn’t help his cause. Hunt logged 23 touches as part of a committee last year. An injury settlement could be coming after Hunt suffered a concussion in Thursday’s preseason finale.

Before exiting, Hunt rushed 12 times for 44 yards and a touchdown and caught 4-of-4 targets for 27 yards and an additional score. If the concussion is severe enough, the Texans could try stashing Hunt on injured reserve. If not, he remains on the roster bubble behind Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, and Tyler Ervin.

Hunt got his first work of the season Sunday against Jacksonville. He played well in a change-of-pace role, earning 52 yards on eight carries. Hunt should get a handful of touches against Oakland on Monday night, but he isn’t a real threat to Lamar Miller’s workload.

It’s a depth move with Jonathan Grimes (illness) out. Hunt will be the No. 3 back behind Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue.

Activated from the Texans’ practice squad on Saturday, Hunt made explosive plays in his change-of-pace role, seeing more action than expected because Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue were banged up. A 4.4-flat speedster, Hunt likely earned a long look with this performance. Hunt is someone to keep in mind in case Miller misses time, although the Texans would likely resort to a multi-back committee in that scenario.

He wasn’t targeted in the pass game. After Hunt rushed for 52 yards on eight carries against the Jaguars last week, coach Bill O’Brien said Hunt would be “part of the game plan” this week. He was, but Hunt did nothing with his looks, and was part of one of the biggest plays that costed the Texans the game. Hunt got the carry on 4th-and-inches in the fourth quarter. It looked like he got the first down, but the refs ruled him short, and O’Brien challenged it only to see the ruling be upheld. Lamar Miller handled 26-of-31 running back touches. Hunt shouldn’t be owned in 12- and 14-team redraft leagues.

Hunt got a series to himself in the first half, but he was not heard from again the rest of the game. With Lamar Miller limping off late in the game and Alfred Blue sidelined by a calf injury, however, Hunt could find himself in a much bigger role next week. He did pick up a thigh bruise in the game, but he should be fine. Hunt could be an interesting name on the wire this week.

Considering people were already accidentally drafting Akeem instead of Kareem Hunt, this signing almost looks like a troll. Hunt is a good change-of-pace option who could end up on the active roster if Charcandrick West or C.J. Spiller falters.

The shifty scatback couldn’t get healthy toward the end of camp, and was beaten out by Jordan Todman, Alfred Blue, D’Onta Foreman, and Tyler Ervin.