The New York Giants have designated running back Eric Gray for return from injured reserve. He hasn’t played since Week 7 because of a calf injury.
He has 21 days to practice before the team can activate him on the active roster.
The New York Giants played college football at Tennessee for his first two seasons
Gray committed to Tennessee as a four-star recruit for the 2019 season. He served as the backup to Ty Chandler in his freshman season. He had 539 rushing yards on 101 carries and four rushing touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 115 yards and one receiving touchdown.
He led the team in rushing in his sophomore season. He had 772 rushing yards on 157 carries and four rushing touchdowns. He also had 30 receptions for 254 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He entered the transfer portal after the 2020 season.
Gray transferred to Oklahoma
He transferred to Oklahoma for the 2021 season. He was the backup to Kennedy Brooks in his junior season. He had 412 rushing yards on 78 carries and two rushing touchdowns. He also had 23 receptions for 229 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
He took over as the lead back in his last season in Oklahoma. He had 1,366 rushing yards on 213 carries and 11 rushing touchdowns. He also had 33 receptions for 229 yards. Coaches named him to the AP All-Big 12 Second Team, he was an Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree, and PFF’s first-team All-Big 12.
Gray opted against returning to Oklahoma and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Gray’s pre-draft scouting report
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein gave an interesting scouting report on Eric Gray:
“Decisive, creative runner with the size and skill set for three-down consideration on the pro level. Gray won’t be a home run hitter in the open field, but his short-area burst and oily hips open access to the entire field, with cuts coming suddenly and at unpredictable angles. He’s a less powerful finisher that his size might indicate and needs to keep from spilling runs wide unnecessarily. He is a reliable threat out of the backfield with soft hands and a willingness to block. Gray has the potential to find work quickly as a three-down backup with future starter potential.”
The 2023 draft
The New York Giants drafted Eric Gray in the 5th round, 172nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His rookie season
Gray made the 53-man roster as the fourth-string back and plays on special teams. Gray has appeared in seven games in his rookie season. He has 27 rushing yards on 13 carries and one reception for one yard, representing 31 offensive snaps. He also has seven punt returns for 28 yards and four kick returns for 58 yards.
Expect Gray to serve as the third-string back and play on special teams once he’s activated.
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