Former Vols standout could receive big NFL opportunity in Week 3
Former Tennessee Vols running back Eric Gray could be receiving a big opportunity for the New York Giants on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Gray, who started his career at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma after the 2020 season, was selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. […]
Former Tennessee Vols running back Eric Gray could be receiving a big opportunity for the New York Giants on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
Gray, who started his career at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma after the 2020 season, was selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The former Vol hasn't seen any carries though the first two games of the season, though he's been returning punts for the Giants.
But that could change on Thursday night.
Giants superstar running back Saquon Barkley isn't expected to play against the 49ers after suffering an ankle injury in Week Two.
The expectation is that veteran Matt Breida will start if Barkley doesn't play on Thursday night (Giants head coach Brian Daboll hasn't officially ruled Barkley out just yet).
If Breida starts, then Gray could be the Giants' No. 2 option.
Breida is the safer bet when it comes to pass protection, but Gray has more upside as a runner. The Giants won't really know how dynamic Gray can be until he's used in a regular season game, which is why Thursday night could be a major opportunity for Gray.
Those opportunities don't come often when playing behind a superstar like Barkley.
Gray would be wise to not waste this chance if it comes on Thursday night. It won't be easy — the 49ers have a tough defense — but it could be the biggest opportunity Gray receives this season as Barkley is expected to potentially return in Week Four for the Giants.
Josh Heupel wants Joe Milton to do something that he hasn’t done well as college player
Tennessee Vols HC Josh Heupel wants Joe Milton to do something that he hasn’t done well as college player
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
