Alfred

Morris

Barkley, coming off an ACL tear that cost him almost the entire 2020 season, still isn’t practicing but could join his teammates soon. “Saquon is making a lot of strides,” Judge said. “He’s making tangible progress. We’re mirroring his rehab to the tempo and workload of the players who are practicing.” Barkley on Monday was taking handoffs from the Giants’ training staff, remaining to the side of the team’s training camp practice. Barkley, whose Week 1 status will likely remain iffy throughout August, is slipping into the second round of 12-team drafts. Newly signed Alfred Morris and Devontae Booker should split carries early in the season if Barkley isn’t ready to go.

With the Giants reportedly taking a “long term” approach with Saquon Barkley’s recovering ACL, the team boosts its backfield depth with Morris, 32, who had 55 rushing attempts in nine games for Big Blue in 2020. Head coach Joe Judge said last week there’s a “chance” Barkley could be a full go for Week 1, raising major doubts about the franchise back being held out for the first part of the regular season. Morris and Devontae Booker could share the backfield load if Barkley is out for a week or two to start the year. Neither will hold much fantasy value in the Giants’ boring, unproductive offense.

Per multiple reports, Morris will likely be added to the 90-man roster next week. Morris’ visit comes as the Giants continue to act cagey about Saquon Barkley’s (ACL) Week 1 status. Even if Barkley is ready to go, the G-Men have awful backfield depth. Morris handled 55 carries in nine 2020 appearances for the Giants. It is quite possible Morris ends up making the 53-man roster.

Promoted from the practice squad at midseason following season-ending injuries to Saquon Barkley and Devonta Freeman, Morris totaled 55-238-1 on the ground and caught three passes for 19 yards and a score. Morris is a longtime coach’s pet to OC Jason Garrett dating back to their Dallas days. Now 32, Morris doesn’t have a whole lot left in the tank.

Wayne Gallman had two more rushing attempts than Morris in a pass-heavy game script for the Giants, but Morris continues to split the workload with Gallman. Morris isn’t a fantasy option but his presence will continue to suppress Gallman’s production, particularly near the end zone.

Wayne Gallman handled the most overall work, but Morris had his moments and even led the backfield in yardage. That’s not saying a whole lot. With Devonta Freeman possibly returning next week, there’s no reason to pick up Morris ahead of Week 16, especially with the Giants heading to Baltimore.

The Giants only ran the ball 17 times against Arizona as they went into catch-up mode in the second half. Morris, who served as the team’s goal line back and scored twice in Week 14 against the Seahawks, will be completely touchdown dependent as long as Wayne Gallman is healthy. He should only be stashed in deep leagues.

Wayne Gallman exploded up the middle for a 60-yard run only to be replaced by Morris at the goal line. The veteran’s receiving touchdown (on his only target) was actually the first of his career. Morris has totaled 37 carries without Devonta Freeman in his last five games but remains behind Gallman in this backfield’s pecking order and is far from being considered a viable FLEX.

That makes 19 rushing attempts for the veteran over the past two weeks. Wayne Gallman is the primary back seeing nearly all of the high value touches, but Morris is the clear RB2 behind Gallman. Morris is a worthwhile stash in deeper formats in case the Giants find themselves without Devonta Freeman (ankle) and Gallman.

Morris now has 17 carries for 101 yards since apparently becoming a Giant last week. With Devonta Freeman (ankle) likely back for Week 10 against the Eagles, Morris should be phased out. Perhaps he has shown enough to keep a 53-man roster spot, however.