Starting running back Rashad Jennings will not need surgery, but will likely miss some time the next few weeks with a what appears to be a sprained MCL. Although he will be tough to replace for the time being, Jennings doesn’t expect the Giant’s run game success to come to a halt without him.
“Like I told you before, this running back room, the depth is as large as I’ve ever been a part of; each guy is a starter. Like I said, he is a guy that, when he first came here, kind of just was sitting under my wing, learning as much as he possibly could from Peyton (Hillis), as well. We’ve got the utmost confidence in Andre, Peyton as well.” Jennings said.
Jennings did also mentioned that although he has confidence in his backups, the offense is about just one position.
“The heart of this team is the team itself, it’s not the backfield. The offensive line – very productive. The quarterback room – very productive, the tight end and wide receiver room too. On the offensive side, it’s not about one person.”
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With that being said, Andre Williams stated earlier this week that he feels like he can handle as many carries as his team needs him to take. When a reporter joked by asking him if he wants 40 carries on Sunday, Williams responded by saying, “If it’s that type of game, I’m down.”
The Giants rookie back has certainly impressed so far this season and with injured Rashad Jennings most likely to be limited this week, the rookie will have a golden opportunity to prove his worth even more. Williams has 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season and has carried the ball 54 times in a backup role. The back out of Boston College is big and runs with attitude.
Tom Coughlin liked what he saw from Williams on 3rd down in Sunday’s game against Atlanta, but did continue to stress the importance of rookies learning and improving on pass protection.
“When you have a young guy, you really get into great, great detail even more about pass protection. He has done a good job when he has been in there. He is going to have to do even better.”
Just like any other player in this league, there’s always things to improve on. He knows what he has to work on, but there’s one this practice can’t help you in: Real Game Experience. And Williams knows that.
“With more time and experience, it’s definitely coming to me better.”