Tyrone Tracy Jr.
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A New York Giants insider has a concerning prediction for second-year RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
All of the attention deservedly earned by record-breaking wide receiver Malik Nabers made it easy to forget the New York Giants unearthed another rookie sensation last season, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who defied expectations and restored credibility to a running game missing Saquon Barkley.
Tracy’s better-than-expected debut campaign has heightened expectations for Year 2, but one Giants insider doesn’t think 2024’s fifth-round pick will hit a notable target.
Specifically, Giants.com’s John Schmeelk has made his case for why Tracy won’t rush for over 1,000 yards in 2025. Schmeelk began by admitting, “You will not find a bigger Tyrone Tracy fan than me. I think he has all the prerequisites to be a good starting running back that can rush for 1,000 yards a season.”
There’s a catch, however. It starts with a crowded running back room, where Schmeelk expects “Devin Singletary to get a fair share of carries. Once Cam Skattebo gets acclimated to the NFL, I think he will get snaps every week, too. I’m just not sure Tracy will get the volume necessary to get to 1,000 rushing yards.”
Significantly, Schmeelk does still believe Tracy “and Nabers will reach 1,000 scrimmage yards.” Doing so would maintain the upward trajectory of a dynamic duo that equalled a rare NFL mark last season.
This double act will be even better with a 1,000-yard playmaker in the backfield to prevent defenses from zeroing in on Nabers and quarterback Russell Wilson. It’s good news then not everybody shares Schmeelk’s note of caution about Tracy.
There Is a More Positive Outlook for Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Among those who are more optimistic about Tracy’s prospects in the new season, Schmeelk’s colleague Matt Citak thinks 1,000 rushing yards is a realistic target for the former Purdue star.
Citak pointed out “Tracy reached 839 yards on the ground despite starting just 12 games and getting only 12 carries through the first four weeks of the season. Not only that, but he found success running the ball despite the team’s inconsistent quarterback play. Now with an improved QB room, not to mention a hopefully healthy offensive line, Tracy has a good chance of reaching 1,000+ rushing yards.”
The reference to how better quarterback play will positively influence the running attack is shared by NFL.com Analyst Bucky Brooks. He explained how an “improved passing game will lead to more light boxes (six or fewer defenders) and wider lanes for the former college wide receiver to scoot through on off-tackle runs and designed cut-back plays.”
Brooks highlighting Tracy attacking defenses on cutback runs is also an important point. The 25-year-old showed a true flair as a one-cut-and-go runner last season, thanks to plays like this double-digit scamper against the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted by Dan Schneier of CBS Sports.
Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. finds the cutback lane, runs into contact from two defenders and pops right back upright. 💪 pic.twitter.com/fuiVXmNahG
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) July 7, 2025
This type of against-the-grain run usually leads to big plays on the ground. Tracy’s big-play potential is evidenced by his impressive 4.4 yards per carry average as a rookie. He also posted a respectable 10 breakaway runs, “carries of 15 or more yards,” per Player Profiler.
More explosive quick-hitters against defenses keeping two safeties deep to guard the vertical threat posed by Wilson and Nabers, can be the secret sauce for Tracy to reach four digits on the deck.
That’s the theory, but there are underlying reasons to still worry about Tracy.
Giants Can’t Ignore Threat of Rushing Decline
One of the main reasons has nothing to do with Tracy, but everything to do with a change of playing style at the quarterback position. It could determine the resources defenses commit to stopping the run against the Giants.
Those resources are more likely to be stretched if the Giants lean on variety. Particularly the flexibility afforded by veteran Singletary’s own cutback chops, along with the more bruising, straight-ahead power promised by 2025 NFL draft fourth-round pick Skattebo.
Together, this trio is better equipped to keep defenses guessing than allowing opponents to simply tee off and take cutback lanes away from Tracy.