Giants ‘Dynamic’ RB Urged to Seize ‘Ton of Carries’ in Preseason

Injuries have disrupted the running back rotation for the New York Giants ahead of their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, but the situation presents an opportunity for “dynamic” reserve Dante Miller, who is urged to seize what should be a “ton of carries” available at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, August 9.

That’s the tip from Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who explained that “with rookie Cam Skattebo (hamstring) sidelined and Eric Gray (knee) on the physically unable to perform list, a ton of carries should be available for Miller on Saturday.”

Making the most of those carries will be vital for Miller, when “the Giants are unlikely to carry a fourth running back to join Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary. But a strong preseason from the dynamic Miller could force the Giants’ hand or put him on another team’s radar as a potential waiver claim.”

Impressing on the ground would be timely for the former undrafted free agent after the Giants added a veteran to the running back room to cover injuries. Fortunately, Miller has the edge in any competition to claim a roster spot thanks to a niche skill in another phase of the game.

Dante Miller Still Offers Trait Giants Need

It’s hardly a surprise ‘Turbo’ Miller remains in the mix for a place in the backfield. Not only has the 26-year-old been trending upwards this offseason, Miller also still offers a trait the Giants need.

Namely, Miller possesses legitimate breakaway speed. The quality hasn’t shown up enough since he entered the pros, but the ex-South Carolina Gamecocks runner fits the direction the Giants are going in on the ground.

That direction is based on greater speed summed up by converted wide receiver Tracy and a forgotten veteran working with starters. Miller’s also able to provide the off-tackle quicks to be a factor in a swifter rushing scheme.

He proved as much with this scamper to the outside at training camp, highlighted by The Giant Take Podcast.

Miller is a potential asset on outside zone runs, but he must remind head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka of his value this preseason. Keeping Daboll onside will be easier if Miller also makes himself a playmaker elsewhere.

Giants’ Backup RB Has Hidden Value

A backup skill player’s best chance of sticking on the roster is to get involved on special teams, and Miller has already done just that. As Duggan pointed out, “Miller, who spent his entire rookie season on the Giants practice squad, is also in the mix at kick returner. Teams will need two quality returners, with the kickoff rule change expected to produce fewer touchbacks. That could be another avenue to a roster spot for Miller.”

What’s interesting about this take is the implications for another fringe back, 2023 fifth-round pick Gray. He’s another speedster who’s versatile enough to participate in the return game, but Gray has looked like a cut candidate ever since the Giants selected Skattebo in the fourth round of this year’s draft.

Gray has never made his big-play threat count in games that matter, while he’s also failed to impress as a returner. If Miller can add some splash plays to the kicking game, starting in Buffalo, he’ll go a long way toward convincing the Giants to keep him as vital insurance for a threadbare backfield committee.